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A Belgian court on Friday ruled in favour of India’s extradition request, ordering the return of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to face charges in the country.
Officials, as quoted by PTI, said the court’s decision strongly validates India’s case for Choksi’s extradition, though the businessman still has the option to appeal in a superior Belgian court.
“The order has come in our favour. The court has termed his arrest by the Belgian authorities on India's request valid. The first legal step in getting him extradited is now clear,” a senior official told PTI.
Indian officials from the External Affairs Ministry and the CBI played a key role in assisting Belgian prosecutors, presenting detailed arguments on Choksi’s alleged involvement in a Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank scam, orchestrated in collusion with his nephew Nirav Modi. Prosecutors also told the court that Choksi continues to be a flight risk and should not be released from prison, officials added.
While Nirav Modi is already facing extradition proceedings in the UK, India pressed Belgium to bring Choksi back to face trial. In preparation for his return, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had last month provided detailed binding assurances to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice regarding Choksi’s custody and treatment, aimed at addressing detention standards, human rights compliance, and prison conditions.
For Choksi’s custody, the MHA has earmarked Barrack No. 12 at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail. The facility, designed exclusively for non-violent offenders, is currently vacant and has a capacity of six inmates. Each detainee is guaranteed three square metres of personal space per inmate, in line with norms set by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).
The cells come with attached sanitation facilities—including flush toilets and wash basins—ventilation, ceiling fans, regular cleaning, and uninterrupted water supply. Sleeping arrangements include cotton mats, pillows, sheets, and blankets, with beds provided if medically necessary.
“Detainees will receive adequate food three times daily, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval. A jail canteen and provisions such as fruits and basic snacks are also available. Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation, and access to a library and reading materials,” the MHA stated.
Medical facilities include a 20-bed hospital with intensive care, staffed around the clock by six medical officers. Prisoners may also be referred to Mumbai’s Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals for emergencies, and private medical treatment at personal expense is permitted, especially for pre-existing conditions.
The barrack is under continuous CCTV surveillance and is subject to oversight by prison authorities, the state human rights commission, and judicial inspections. Complaint mechanisms are in place to address potential grievances. Staff training—including six-month guard programmes and year-long officer courses with stress management—is designed to maintain international detention standards.
