Key Highlights:
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday praised India’s growing diplomatic clout, crediting it for securing the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana and hinting that similar strategies may aid in the Mehul Choksi extradition process.
Speaking to reporters at an event commemorating Dr BR Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, Meghwal stopped short of confirming official steps toward bringing back fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who was recently arrested in Belgium.
“Because of successful diplomacy only we can do this work (extradition). This is a proud moment for India,” Meghwal said.
India’s Diplomatic Track Record: A Foundation for Choksi’s Case
Meghwal cited the recent progress in Tahawwur Rana’s extradition from the United States as evidence of India’s growing leverage in international legal diplomacy.
“Our External Affairs Minister has clearly said, and I reiterate — under PM Modi’s leadership, foreign policy has ensured diplomatic success,” Meghwal added.
While he did not confirm formal proceedings regarding the Mehul Choksi extradition, the tone suggests India may be mobilizing similar channels.
Choksi’s Lawyer Raises Alarm Over Extradition on Human Rights Grounds
Vijay Aggarwal, Choksi’s lawyer, promptly raised objections to any extradition move, citing two major legal defenses:
- Political Vendetta Argument “This is a political case,” Aggarwal claimed, stating that Choksi could face persecution from political groups in India.
- Human Rights Concerns “His human rights will be greatly affected… He won’t get proper treatment. There may be harassment post-extradition,” he added.
This legal stance mirrors defenses used in high-profile cases like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, who also resisted extradition citing personal health and fairness concerns.
Who Is Mehul Choksi? The Man at the Centre of a ₹13,850 Crore Scam
- Age: 65
- Arrested: April 14, 2025 in Belgium
- Wanted by: CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Primary Charge: Defrauding Punjab National Bank (PNB) of ₹13,850 crore
- Modus Operandi: Misused Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit
- Co-accused: Nephew Nirav Modi
Choksi fled India on January 2, 2018, just weeks before the PNB scam came to light, and later obtained Antiguan citizenship. His arrest in Belgium may now reignite India’s extradition efforts.
Choksi’s Fraud: A Timeline of Events
- 2013–2017: Allegedly collaborated with PNB officials for fake guarantees.
- Jan 2, 2018: Fled India, days before scam exposure.
- 2019–2021: Legal fights over his citizenship and location in Antigua.
- April 2025: Arrested by Belgian authorities following international alert.
- Current Status: Awaiting possible extradition proceedings amid legal challenges.
Law Minister Pays Tribute to Ambedkar, Ties Legal Institutions to Justice
At the same event, Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted Dr BR Ambedkar’s role in empowering legal institutions and upholding constitutional values.
“There are regular programs organized to celebrate Ambedkar’s contributions. The statue at Parliament, inaugurated last year, symbolizes India’s ongoing respect for the Father of the Constitution,” Meghwal said.
He added that Department of Justice competitions and educational events are held at this statue site regularly, drawing attention to Ambedkar’s legacy in modern governance.
What This Means for Mehul Choksi Extradition Case
The combination of:
- Choksi’s arrest
- India’s demonstrated diplomatic success
- Growing public and legal pressure
could shape the outcome of the Mehul Choksi extradition case. However, lawyers defending Choksi are expected to use every tool in the international legal playbook to resist the move.
Choksi Extradition May Ride on India’s Diplomatic Leverage
Though Law Minister Meghwal did not confirm direct extradition efforts in Choksi’s case, his statements underscore India’s belief in diplomacy as a key tool for justice delivery. The Mehul Choksi extradition, if successful, would signal a landmark win for India’s anti-fraud and anti-corruption strategy, and serve as a cautionary tale to fugitives banking on foreign safe havens.
As the legal battle unfolds in Belgium, the spotlight will remain on India’s foreign policy, human rights discourse, and judicial credibility — all central themes in Choksi’s possible return.
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