Mehul Choksi (Photo by Gemma Handy)
Antiguan and Barbudan citizen Mehul Choksi is not catching a break, even though he is said to be terminally ill.
In a major development in the $1.6 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, the Special PMLA Court in Mumbai has allowed Punjab National Bank and ICICI Bank to join ongoing proceedings against fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi, who is now a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.
The order, issued by Special Judge A.V. Gujarathi, enables the two banks to stake their claims over properties attached in the case. Their applications were filed alongside a plea from the State Tax Department, which is seeking recovery of pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) dues from Choksi.
Both PNB and ICICI argued that, as direct victims of the massive fraud, they have a legitimate interest in the attached assets and have separately petitioned for their restoration. The State Tax Department, however, opposed their inclusion, contending the banks had no grounds to intervene in its recovery action.
The court ultimately sided with the banks, a decision that strengthens their position in efforts to recover losses from one of India’s largest financial scandals.
Choksi, once a high-profile jeweler, fled India in 2018 and later obtained citizenship in Antigua and Barbuda. He remains wanted by Indian authorities, who continue to pursue international avenues for his extradition.
Choksi is said to be seriously ill and facing mounting legal action as the weeks go by.
This man should just surrender. This is too much. It doesn’t seem to be getting better for him. He needs to kay low and focus on his health
If he really is terminally ill, what’s the point of dragging this on? Just feels like a never-ending saga.
People say he’s sick, but meanwhile the cases keep piling up. Makes you wonder what’s true and what’s just strategy.
Personally, for me, I dunno why Antigua.news is so obsessed with Choksi. It is like the man is paying you guys to keep bla bla-ing about him. On a second note, there’s a sense of confusion surrounding Choksi’s decision to continue fighting against daunting challenges such as multiple banks, legal issues, and health problems. Many believe that giving up might be the wisest choice at this stage, yet he persists in battling these difficulties as if there’s a chance for a victory. It’s surprising that he hasn’t resigned himself to the situation, considering the legal system’s wicked nature and the immense stress he must be experiencing. With the banks pressing claims and authorities tightening their hold, surrendering or negotiating could potentially be less painful than enduring this prolonged fight..
Honestly, I don’t understand why Choksi keeps fighting this. With all the legal pressure, the banks staking claims, and his reported health issues, why not just give up and try to settle things? It feels like he’s just dragging it out for no real gain