Even as the the extradition of Mehul Choksi, wanted in the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, to India is pending before a Belgian court, India has assured humane treatment to the Choksi at the prison where he will be held.
The disgraced businessman—wanted in India along with his nephew, Nirav Modi, who remains behind bars in London— remains in custody in Belgium and is fighting against his extradition to India.
In a formal letter to the ministry of justice, Kingdom of Belgium and the Belgian judicial authorities, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) assured that it is willing to address all human rights concerns raised in the extradition proceedings.
The MHA, after cosulting with the Maharashtra government and prison authorites, detailed in the letter the medical provisions, occupancy limits and oversight mechanisms that will be provided to Choksi at Mumbai Central Prison, also known as Arthur Road Jail.
He will be housed in barrack no. 12. According to the MHA letter, each detainee will be provided a minimum of three square metres to personal space, excluding furniture, according to news agency ANI. This is in line with the Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), which has set standards and recommendations for the treatment of people in prisons.
The sleeping arrangements provided to the detainee include a clean, thick cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket. The cells are equipped with grilled windows, ventilators, and ceiling fans.
The detainees will receive adequate food three times daily, with accommodations for special dietary needs subject to medical approval. There will also be a jail canteen and provisions such as basic snacks and fruits.
"Daily outdoor exercise is permitted in an open-to-sky yard, and indoor recreation includes board games and casual badminton. The jail also offers yoga, meditation and access to a library and reading materials," the letter said.
