Legal Tussle: Choksi Challenges FEO Status Amid International Custody Battle

In a significant legal development, diamond merchant Mehul Choksi has appealed to the Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Mumbai to dismiss the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) application labeling him a fugitive economic offender. Represented by Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, Choksi contends the very foundation of declaring him a fugitive lacks legal validity.

Currently imprisoned in Belgium following an Indian extradition request, Choksi's counsel argued his arrest implies 'constructive custody' under Indian jurisdiction. Aggarwal questioned maintaining fugitive status allegations when Choksi is detained due to Indian legal actions. He stressed that requirements for fugitive status are unmet, as Choksi left for medical reasons with police clearance and prior to any charges.

Highlighting a Dominican court's 2021 order barring Choksi from exiting Antigua post an abduction attempt, Aggarwal emphasized this government-backed restriction invalidates fugitive claims. Moreover, Choksi is contesting his Belgian arrest's legality, citing fundamental rights breaches in a plea pending in Belgian court. The intricate legal saga underscores a complex fight for justice across borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)