PNB scam: 'How can I return if my passport is suspended?' asks fugitive Mehul Choksi

Diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank scam, has told a special court in Mumbai that he hasn't been able to return to India “due to reasons beyond his control” and hence cannot be declared a “fugitive economic offender”. has been suspended for the reason of ‘Security Threat to India.’ The same will show that Choksi could not return to India for reasons beyond his control and therefore, Section 2 being abroad, refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution; is not satisfied.” Section 2 of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act requires that only such a person be declared an offender under the Act if any individual against whom a warrant for arrest in relation to a Scheduled Offence has been issued by any Court in India, who, being abroad, refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution. Choksi claimed that he didn't leave India to avoid criminal prosecution nor is he refusing to return to the country. Therefore, for adjudication of the present matter, it is necessary that the reason and documents be brought on record to show the suspension of Choksi’s passport,” said Aggarwal.