Brussels, Dec 18: Belgium’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, on Thursday rejected fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi’s appeal against extradition to India, affirming that his objections lacked merit. The court dismissed all three grounds of his challenge, including alleged violations of fair trial rights, claims of abduction, and apprehensions over prison conditions in India. Choksi has been directed to bear the cost of EUR 104.01.
Cassation Court Upholds Antwerp Ruling
The Belgian Supreme Court upheld the October 17, 2025, ruling by the Antwerp Court of Appeal’s Chamber of Indictment, confirming that the extradition proceedings complied with Belgian law and European human rights standards.
On the claim of a fair trial violation, the court noted that the Chamber of Indictment exercises full jurisdiction and follows an adversarial process, allowing Choksi to present all relevant documents. It ruled that his rights under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights were fully respected.
Choksi’s reliance on the Interpol Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) decision to support his alleged abduction from Antigua by Indian authorities was also dismissed.
Prison Conditions in India Addressed
The Court of Cassation acknowledged India’s assurances that Choksi would be lodged in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, specifically in Barrack No. 12 a secure ward with two cells and private sanitation facilities ensuring compliance with human rights standards.
Case Background
Mehul Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of nearly USD 2 billion. Multiple charge sheets have been filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and several non-bailable warrants remain pending.