Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has filed a fresh petition before the Belgian Court of Appeal, accusing authorities of violating his fundamental rights and legal procedures during his arrest. Choksi’s legal team, led by Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, claims that his detention—prompted by an extradition request from India—was carried out in contravention of natural justice and without adherence to due process.
The Court of Appeal has adjourned the hearing on this second plea, which follows the court’s recent denial of Choksi’s bail. Choksi now demands his immediate release, alleging the arrest was “arbitrary and unlawful.”
Aggarwal argued that the Belgian authorities bypassed procedural safeguards required under international and domestic law. “Unfortunately, my client has been denied bail today. However, under Belgian law, there is no limit to the number of bail applications. We will file a fresh plea soon,” he told ANI, after meeting Choksi in jail.
Choksi, wanted in connection with the ₹13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud, was arrested in Belgium earlier this month. Indian authorities formally requested his extradition, reigniting legal battles surrounding his return.
The defense team plans to challenge the extradition on two key grounds: the political nature of the charges and concerns over Choksi’s medical condition. They argue that Choksi has consistently offered to cooperate via video conferencing, citing poor health and ongoing cancer treatment in Antigua, from where he reportedly travelled to Belgium.
Aggarwal also emphasized that previous extradition attempts, particularly from Dominica, had failed, and stressed the need to uphold due process before any further legal actions are taken.
