Court in Belgium Clears Path for Fugitive's Return to India
India's persistent effort to extradite fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi has secured a major breakthrough. A court in Antwerp, Belgium, has dismissed his appeal against being sent back to India. The ruling declared there is "no obstacle" to his return to face charges. Choksi is a key accused, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, in the enormous ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. This judgment marks one of the most significant legal victories for Indian authorities in their long-running pursuit of the high-profile fugitive.
Setback for Choksi Despite Legal Battles
The ruling is a major setback for Choksi. He has been detained in a Belgian prison since his arrest in Antwerp in April 2025. His repeated requests for bail have been consistently denied by the courts. Judges have determined that he poses a significant flight risk. While this judgment is a clear win for Indian agencies, Choksi's return is not yet immediate. He retains the legal right to challenge this decision before a higher court in Belgium, a step his legal team is expected to take. Nonetheless, this decision strongly indicates that the legal tide is turning in India's favor.
India's Assurances Were Key to the Ruling
A critical factor in the court's favorable decision was a detailed letter of assurance provided by India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This letter was designed to counter the human rights arguments that Choksi's defense has used to block his extradition. European courts are strictly bound by human rights laws and often deny extradition if there is a risk of poor prison conditions or inadequate medical care.
India's MHA directly addressed these concerns with specific, verifiable promises. The government confirmed that Choksi would be detained in Barrack No. 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail.
This facility is specifically designated for white-collar and non-violent offenders. The assurances included guarantees of adequate personal space, properly ventilated cells, and full sanitation facilities. The MHA also promised 24/7 medical care, with access to the nearby Sir J J Group of Hospitals for any specialized treatment. India's submission successfully preempted the common legal challenges, proving to the court that Choksi's detention would meet international standards.
A Step Closer to Accountability
This legal victory is a crucial step in one of India's largest-ever bank fraud investigations. Choksi and his nephew, who is currently held in a London prison, are accused of mastering the massive PNB scam. They allegedly used fraudulent bank guarantees (Letters of Undertaking) to defraud the state-run bank of over ₹13,000 crore.
The case has been a high-profile test of India's ability to navigate complex international legal systems to bring back economic fugitives. This setback for Choksi in Antwerp is a significant morale booster for the multi-agency team handling the case. It demonstrates that a strategy of providing robust and detailed assurances can succeed, bringing Indian investigators one step closer to holding Choksi accountable on Indian soil.
