Belgium’s highest court has delivered a definitive ruling against fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, dismissing his final legal attempt to block his extradition to India. By rejecting his appeal, the Belgian Court of Cassation has effectively cleared the way for Choksi to be sent back to face trial in the massive Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. This decision upholds an October 17, 2025, ruling by the Antwerp Court of Appeal, which had previously approved his surrender to Indian authorities following a comprehensive judicial examination.
In a detailed judgment, the top court affirmed that the extradition process was conducted in strict accordance with Belgian law and respected European human rights standards. The bench systematically dismissed three primary arguments raised by Choksi’s legal team, which included allegations that his right to a fair trial had been compromised, claims that he was forcibly abducted from Antigua, and concerns regarding potential mistreatment in the Indian prison system. The court concluded that Choksi’s objections lacked merit and found no justification to interfere with the earlier judicial orders mandating his return.
Regarding the challenge to his right to a fair trial, the court rejected Choksi’s assertion that his defense was weakened by the omission of certain documents during the initial stages of the case. The judges noted that these concerns were thoroughly addressed during the appeal process, where Choksi was granted ample opportunity to present his evidence and arguments. Consequently, the Court of Cassation ruled that there was no violation of his right to a fair hearing, as the legal proceedings provided sufficient space for his defense to be heard.
The court also dismissed Choksi’s high-profile claim that he was abducted from Antigua with the assistance of Indian authorities. While the merchant sought to support this narrative by citing a decision from Interpol’s internal watchdog body, the judges observed that the lower court had already scrutinized that material and deemed it inconclusive. The Supreme Court emphasized that the responsibility for assessing evidence lies with the lower courts, and as such, it would not revisit or overturn those specific factual findings.
Addressing concerns over humanitarian conditions, the Belgian court relied on formal assurances provided by the Indian government regarding Choksi’s future detention. The ruling recorded that Choksi will be housed at the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai within a secure ward, which includes separate cells and private sanitation facilities. Furthermore, the court noted that he would remain under the direct supervision of the judiciary rather than investigative agencies. Based on these guarantees, the court held that Choksi failed to demonstrate any real or personal risk of torture or inhuman treatment upon his return to India.
With all legal requirements for extradition satisfied, the Court of Cassation dismissed the appeal in its entirety and ordered Choksi to pay €104.01 in legal costs. This ruling marks a significant milestone for Indian investigative agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, who have pursued Choksi for his alleged role in masterminding a nearly $2 billion fraud against Punjab National Bank alongside his nephew, Nirav Modi. With multiple charge sheets and non-bailable warrants pending, the Belgian court’s decision brings the long-standing pursuit of the diamond merchant closer to a resolution.
