India assures Belgium of humane conditions for Mehul Choksi’s detention ahead of extradition

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has formally given assurances to Belgium regarding the detention conditions for fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, should he be extradited to India on charges related to the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam.

The assurances were communicated via a letter sent to Belgium’s Ministry of Justice as part of extradition proceedings.

According to the letter, Choksi would be held in Arthur Road Jail’s Barrack No. 12 in Mumbai. The site has a six-person capacity, but provisions guarantee three square meters of personal space per inmate, measured excluding furniture—meeting the Council of Prison Terms (CPT) standards. Bedding (mats, pillows, sheets, blankets) would be provided, as needed, on medical advice.

Key amenities outlined include ventilation, fans, attached flush toilets, wash basins, regular cleaning, and continuous water supply. Dietary needs would be addressed with three adequate meals daily, plus possible dietary exceptions on medical grounds. A canteen supplying snacks and fruits is also available.

The MHA also highlighted access to healthcare, including a 20-bed prison hospital with ICU services, round-the-clock medical staff, emergency referrals to Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, and even permission for private medical care at personal expense.

Further assurances include daily outdoor exercise time, limited indoor recreation like board games and badminton, as well as access to a library and reading materials, and opportunities for family visits and communication.

To ensure oversight, the MHA stated that monitoring would involve prison administration, human rights commissions, and judicial supervision, along with staff training programs for guards and officers.

The letter noted that these assurances are sovereign commitments and cannot be withdrawn administratively or judicially.

These detailed safeguards have been laid down to comply with international human rights norms, especially those under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits inhumane treatment of detainees.

Belgium’s judicial authorities will review these provisions as part of the extradition evaluation process.