Choksi files fresh plea in Belgium against Indian extradition plea
Choksi’s lawyer argued that officials not only disregarded the due process but also violated his fundamental rights, breaching the principles of natural justice
Seeking relief against India’s request for his extradition, fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi has filed a new appeal in a Belgian court, where he was arrested in April.
Choksi, who fled India in 2018, also accused Belgian authorities of violating the principles of natural justice by detaining him on an Indian request.
Also Read: Is extradition imminent for Mehul Choksi? What India-Belgium treaty says
His advocate, Vijay Aggarwal, told the court that Belgian authorities failed to adhere to prescribed legal procedures at the time of Choksi’s arrest.
Choksi’s criticism
He argued that officials not only disregarded the due process but also violated his fundamental rights, breaching the principles of natural justice.
Citing irregularities in the arrest procedures, Choksi sought his immediate release. But the court adjourned the hearing on his petition against his arrest.
The development came days after the fugitive diamond merchant's bail request was rejected by the Belgian court of appeal.
Attacking Belgian authorities
In a second plea before the Belgian court, Choksi claimed that his arrest procedure was arbitrary and unlawful.
Earlier in April, Belgian authorities arrested Choksi on an extradition request made by Indian agencies over the bank fraud.
Choksi's lawyer told ANI that he was disappointed over the court's decision but pointed out that Belgian law allowed for multiple bail pleas.
Belgian legal system
“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," he said.
Aggarwal said the legal team will contest the extradition mainly on two grounds -- the case's political nature and Choksi’s medical condition and treatment in India.
The crime
Choksi is the key accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, along with his nephew Nirav Modi.
It is alleged that the two men used fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) to obtain overseas credit or loans from Indian banks.
Heart care in Belgium
Earlier, the lawyer said that Choksi cooperated with Indian investigative agencies and has offered to join the probe via video conferencing due to health issues.
Aggarwal also said that the previous attempts to extradite Choksi from Dominica had failed. He had flown to Belgium for cancer care.