PNB Scam: Extradition of Mehul Choksi Put on Hold as He Challenges Ruling in Belgium Supreme Court

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has suffered a major setback in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case. Fugitive diamond businessman Mehul Choksi has challenged his extradition order in Belgium’s Supreme Court (Court of Cassation), temporarily halting his transfer to India.

Choksi filed the appeal on October 30, contesting the October 17 ruling of the Antwerp Court of Appeal that had deemed India’s extradition request “enforceable.” The appellate court had earlier upheld the November 29, 2024 decision of a district court and validated the arrest warrants issued by a special Mumbai court in May 2018 and June 2021. This ruling had effectively cleared the path for Choksi’s extradition to India.

The appellate court had also clarified that upon extradition, Choksi would not be denied a fair trial and would not face any risk of mistreatment in India.

The Court of Cassation, Belgium’s highest judicial authority, reviews only the legal aspects of lower court rulings to ensure that laws were applied correctly.

Due to Choksi’s appeal, the extradition process has been put on hold until the Supreme Court completes its review and issues a final decision.

According to the CBI chargesheet, Mehul Choksi is accused of defrauding PNB of ₹6,400 crore out of the total ₹13,000 crore scam. Just days before the fraud was exposed in January 2018, Choksi fled India and took refuge in Antigua and Barbuda.

He was later spotted in Belgium, reportedly for medical treatment. Based on the Mumbai court’s arrest warrants, India officially requested Choksi’s extradition from Belgium on August 27, 2024, and also assured the Belgian government of adequate prison conditions, medical care, and security upon his return.