The Government of India has provided a formal assurance to Belgian judicial authorities outlining the detention conditions that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi would face if extradited to India in connection with the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in consultation with the Maharashtra government and prison authorities, issued the letter to address human rights concerns raised during extradition proceedings. The assurances cover medical, material, and procedural safeguards to ensure humane and dignified treatment.
The designated detention facility for Choksi is Barrack No. 12 at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, a separate unit for non-violent economic offenders. The MHA specified that each detainee will have at least three square metres of personal space, with barrack occupancy capped at six persons. The cells are equipped with ventilation, sanitation, drinking water, and sleeping arrangements that include a mattress, pillow, and blanket.
Detainees will be provided three meals a day, access to a canteen, outdoor exercise, indoor recreation, yoga, and library facilities. Medical care includes a 24×7 in-house facility with six doctors, a 20-bed hospital with ICU capacity, and emergency referrals to Sir J.J. Hospital. Private medical care may also be accessed at personal expense.
The letter further guarantees unrestricted legal access, weekly family visits, and video-conferencing facilities. Oversight mechanisms include monitoring by prison authorities, inspections by human rights commissions, and judicial supervision.
The MHA characterised the commitment as a sovereign assurance, binding under Indian law and not subject to administrative or judicial override.
The extradition request, filed by India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), accuses Choksi of offences under criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April 2025 following India’s formal extradition plea. Belgian courts, including the Chambers of Indictment in Antwerp, will now evaluate India’s assurances under the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly Article 3, which prohibits torture or degrading treatment.
Choksi, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, is the prime accused in the ₹13,000 crore PNB fraud case involving fraudulent Letters of Undertaking.