- By Yashashvi Tak
- Mon, 08 Sep 2025 02:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sent a formal letter of assurance to Belgium’s minister of justice highlighting the conditions under which Mehul Choksi, accused in the PNB loan fraud case, would be treated and held if extradited to India. The letter stated that these assurances from the MHA were given in consultation with the Maharashtra government and prison authorities.
The assurances outlined material, medical, and procedural safeguards aimed at addressing human rights concerns in the extradition process.
Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, who was arrested in Belgium in April, along with his nephew Nirav Modi, are the key accused in the PNB fraud case involving fraudulent transactions worth over Rs 13,000 crore.
Facilities Mehul Choksi To Get In Mumbai Jail
1. The Ministry of Home Affairs designated Barrack No. 12 at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai for Choksi’s detention.
2. The letter assured humane and dignified treatment, guaranteeing at least three square metres of personal space, access to a washroom, drinking water, and proper bedding.
3. Choksi will be kept in a cell with a minimum of three square metres of personal space, excluding furniture.
4. The detention cell will provide a clean cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet, and blanket; a wooden or metal bed may be given on medical grounds.
5. The cell will have adequate light, ventilation, and storage for permissible personal belongings.
6. Choksi will have daily access to clean drinking water and round-the-clock medical facilities.
7. He will have sufficient toilet and washing facilities each day.
8. He will be allowed out of his cell for exercise and recreation for a reasonable time daily.
9. Adequate food will be provided throughout his detention.
10. The Government of India, based on inputs from the Maharashtra government and prison authorities, assured that all facilities available in Arthur Road Jail will be provided without discrimination, in line with existing lodging policy.
11. The assurance was given as a sovereign guarantee by the Government of India in consultation with the concerned state government.
Arthur Jail Conditions
1. Each detainee will be provided a minimum of three square metres of personal space, excluding furniture, in line with Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) norms.
2. Barrack No. 12 has a maximum capacity of six persons; at the time of reporting, the two designated cells were unoccupied.
3. Detainees will receive adequate food three times daily, with special dietary needs accommodated upon medical approval.
4. A jail canteen and provisions such as fruits and basic snacks are available.
5. Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, while indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton.
6. Yoga, meditation, and access to a library with reading materials are also available.
7. Medical care is ensured through a 24×7 facility staffed by six medical officers, nursing orderlies, pharmacists, and laboratory support.
8. A 20-bed prison hospital with ICU capability is available, with emergency referrals to Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, located about three kilometres away.
9. Detainees may also seek private medical care at their own expense.
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Mehul Choksi Case
Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud, was arrested in Belgium in April on a request from Indian authorities. Along with his nephew Nirav Modi, he is charged with fraudulent transactions and faces multiple cases of bank fraud. He has been booked under the IPC for conspiracy, cheating, and falsification of accounts, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act. Since these offences are also recognised under Belgian law, the dual criminality clause applies, strengthening India’s extradition request. The CBI has also invoked UN conventions on organised crime and corruption to back its plea.
