Belgium Court Rejects Choksi Appeal in PNB Scam Case
Belgium’s top court has rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi’s appeal against India’s extradition request in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, endorsing the findings of a lower court. The ruling clears a key legal hurdle in India’s efforts to bring Choksi back to face trial in connection with one of the country’s largest banking scams.
Court Upholds Lower Court Findings
The Belgian Court of Cassation agreed with the Antwerp Court of Appeal, which had earlier ruled that Choksi failed to establish any real risk of denial of justice if extradited to India. The court held that concerns raised by Choksi regarding prison conditions, safety, or an unfair trial did not meet the legal threshold required to block extradition. The top court examined procedural and legal aspects of the case and found no grounds to overturn the earlier decision.
Background of the PNB Fraud Case
Choksi is accused by Indian authorities of playing a central role in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud, involving the misuse of letters of undertaking to secure overseas credit. The scam surfaced in 2018, after which Choksi left India. He is also the maternal uncle of Nirav Modi, another key accused in the case. Indian agencies have been pursuing extradition proceedings against Choksi since his arrest in Belgium.
What Lies Ahead
With the dismissal of his appeal, Belgian authorities can now proceed with the extradition process. Indian officials have provided assurances related to Choksi’s legal rights and treatment upon return. The ruling is seen as a significant step in India’s broader campaign to repatriate economic offenders.
