Belgian Court Approves Mehul Choksi’s Extradition to India in PNB Fraud Case
Antwerp Court rejects Choksi’s appeal, clearing the path for his return to face trial in India
India, Oct 22 : In a major development, the Antwerp Court of Appeal in Belgium on Wednesday rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi’s appeal, upholding the decision to extradite him to India. Choksi is a key accused in the alleged Rs 13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
The court ruled that all legal requirements for extradition had been satisfied, enforcing the Indian arrest warrants issued in 2018 and 2021. However, one charge pertaining to “causing the disappearance of evidence” was excluded from the extradition order.
Choksi had contended that his life and liberty would be at risk in India, claiming political persecution and citing health concerns. The Belgian court, however, found that he failed to present “substantial grounds” proving a real threat of inhuman treatment or denial of justice.
The ruling is a significant victory for Indian authorities, effectively ending Choksi’s prolonged legal battle in Belgium and bringing him a step closer to facing trial in India.
