In a relief to fugitive Indian businessman Mehul Choksi, who is wanted in India in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, the Dominica High Court on Monday granted him bail on medical grounds to travel to Antigua and Barbuda.
Choksi's lawyer Vijay Agarwal said, "Yes, Choksi has been granted bail on medical grounds."
The Dominican High Court in its order stated that the fugitive diamantaire Choksi has been granted interim bail “strictly for medical treatment in Antigua.”
Choksi, who had gone missing on May 23 from Antigua and Barbuda, had sparked a massive manhunt. He was later captured in Dominica and is facing charges of entering the country illegally.
Choksi had filed two petitions in the high court of Dominica, one seeking to quash the proceedings against him alleging that his arrest was "dictated" by representatives of the Indian government. While the other is an application for leave to file for judicial review.
As of now, the legal proceedings against him in the illegal entry case and judicial review application stand adjourned for the time Choksi is certified fit for travel.
Also Read:Rs 9,371 cr seized assets of Mallya-Choksi-Nirav Modi transferred to banks: ED
The case was filed against the Immigration Minister of the Caribbean nation, its police chief, and the investigating officer of the case.
Choksi pleaded that the decision to charge him for illegal entry violated the law and, accordingly, was null and void.
He has been kept at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital while awaiting an outcome in his illegal entry case.
Choksi's lawyer has alleged that their client was kidnapped and forcibly taken to Dominica.
He is wanted in India by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.