MHA Assures Belgium of Humane Detention Conditions for Mehul Choksi if Extradited
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has furnished a formal assurance to the Ministry of Justice of Belgium and its judicial authorities, outlining the conditions under which Indian businessman Mehul Choksi would be detained if extradited to India. The move comes amid extradition proceedings in connection with the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, where Choksi faces charges under the IPC and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
In its letter, the MHA designated Barrack No. 12 at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail as Choksi’s detention facility, detailing safeguards including space, sanitation, food, recreation, and medical care. Each inmate is guaranteed a minimum of three square metres of personal space, with access to clean bedding, attached toilets, daily outdoor exercise, and indoor activities like yoga and reading. Medical services include round-the-clock doctors, a 20-bed prison hospital with ICU facilities, and referral access to Sir JJ Hospital. Choksi’s pre-existing health conditions will be considered, with necessary equipment and therapies provided.
The barrack, segregated from the main prison complex, houses only non-violent economic offenders and is monitored continuously via CCTV. Legal access, family visits, and complaint mechanisms are assured, while human rights commissions and judicial authorities will conduct oversight. The MHA described the assurances as a sovereign commitment, aimed at addressing human rights concerns under the European Convention on Human Rights. Belgian courts will now evaluate the guarantees before ruling on Choksi’s extradition.
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