Meals to medical aid, India shares Choksi jail plan with Belgium

The Indian government has formally written to Belgium, offering detailed assurances regarding the detention conditions for fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, should he be extradited to face trial in the multi-billion rupee Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Official sources said the Ministry of Home Affairs, in consultation with the Maharashtra Government, submitted a letter to the Belgium’s Ministry of Justice and judicial authorities. The communication outlines the conditions for Choksi’s incarceration, emphasising compliance with international human rights standards, particularly Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.

The government specified that Choksi would be lodged in Barrack No. 12, a section for economic offenders that is currently vacant and designed to house only a few inmates. Assurances were given that he would not face solitary confinement and would have adequate space, ventilation, natural light and hygiene.

Additional commitments include a bed, bedding, daily cell cleaning, three balanced meals a day and access to the jail canteen for extra food. Medical care provisions feature round-the-clock doctors, a 20-bed prison hospital and quick referral to Sir JJ Hospital for emergencies. Choksi will also be permitted legal consultations, family visits and access to telephone and video conferencing facilities.

To underline compliance with international norms, the government cited safeguards such as CCTV surveillance, judicial oversight and monitoring by statutory human rights commissions. The note added that prison staff receive regular training in professional conduct and restraint.

This move comes as Indian authorities intensify efforts to secure Choksi’s extradition from Belgium, where he is contesting legal proceedings. The detailed guarantees aim to persuade Belgian courts that Choksi will be held under “humane, dignified and lawful conditions” if returned to India.