Big diplomatic win for India: Belgium Court clears fugitive Mehul Choksi's extradition to India
PTC News Desk: In a major diplomatic win for India, a Belgium Court has approved fugitive Mehul Choksi's extradition to India. The court in Antwerp ruled that Choksi's arrest by Belgian police, based on India's request, was valid.
Choksi has the option to challenge the ruling in the Belgian Supreme Court within the next 15 days.
During the proceedings, the court heard submissions from both sides — Belgian prosecutors representing India and Choksi’s defence team.
Choksi, who was arrested by Antwerp police on April 11, has been in custody for the past four months, with several bail applications rejected by Belgian courts.
India has charged the 66-year-old with fraud, criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and corruption under IPC Sections 120B, 201, 409, 420, and 477A, as well as Sections 7 and 13 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. These charges are also recognised as offences under Belgian law, satisfying the principle of dual criminality.
To strengthen its case, India referred to international agreements such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The CBI made three visits to Belgium to submit evidence and engaged a European private law firm for legal assistance.
Meanwhile India has assured Belgium authorities that following extradition, Choksi will be incarcerated in Barrack N0. 12 in Mumbai's Arthur Jail with facilities meeting European standards including access to clean water, food, newspapers, TV, and private doctor. India has also assured that he would not be placed under solitary confinement.
- PTC NEWS
