News Brief
Setback For Fugitive Mehul Choksi As Belgian Court Postpones Hearing On Plea Challenging Arrest
Diamond dealer Mehul Choksi (File Photo)
A Belgium court adjourned the hearing on a plea contesting Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi's detention in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case on Tuesday (29 April), giving him yet another blow.
Mehul Choksi has filed a new plea before the Belgian Court of Appeal, contesting India's extradition request and accusing Belgian authorities of breaching natural justice principles. According to the Hindustan Times, Choksi's legal team, led by Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, claims his arrest was arbitrary and violated due process, demanding his immediate release.
The plea argues that Belgian officials disregarded legal protocols during his April 2023 arrest, allegedly infringing on his fundamental rights. Despite these claims, the court adjourned the hearing on his arrest challenge.
This follows a recent rejection of his bail plea, though Aggarwal noted, "Unfortunately, my client has been denied bail today. However, in Belgium, we can apply for bail as many times as needed. We will carefully consider the court's observations and submit a fresh bail plea on new grounds soon," as quoted by The Hindustan Times.
Choksi, who holds Antiguan citizenship, was reportedly receiving medical care there before travelling to Belgium for treatment.
“Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition so that he can face trial in the country," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was quoted by News18 as saying.
Choksi, a key accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank scam alongside nephew Nirav Modi, faces charges of fraudulently obtaining loans via fake Letters of Undertaking. His legal team intends to oppose extradition by citing the case's "political nature" and his medical vulnerabilities, including ongoing cancer treatment.
