Supreme Court Tells Mehul Choksi’s Son: ‘Nation Waiting to Give Him Red-Carpet Welcome’ While Dismissing Plea in NSEL Case
CJI Surya Kant Questions Fugitive’s Absence During Hearing
Pranav Choksi’s Challenge Against Recovery Suit Inclusion Rejected
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 05, 2026:
The Supreme Court of India has once again brought the spotlight back on fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. During a hearing on February 5, 2026, the Court dismissed a petition filed by his son, Pranav Choksi, who sought to be removed from the National Spot Exchange Limited (NSEL) recovery suit. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, made a sharp oral observation: “Where is your respected father nowadays? The whole country is eagerly waiting to give him a red-carpet welcome.”
This remark not only underscored the judiciary’s frustration with Choksi’s continued absence from India but also highlighted the seriousness of the allegations against his family.
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Background of the Case
- Mehul Choksi, former head of the Gitanjali Group, fled India in 2018 after being accused in the massive PNB fraud alongside his nephew Nirav Modi.
- He has since lived in Antigua and Barbuda, facing extradition attempts and legal battles abroad.
- The NSEL case involves a ₹937 crore recovery suit against 50 individuals and entities, including N K Proteins, where Pranav Choksi was a shareholder.
- NSEL alleged that Pranav benefited from trades executed by N K Proteins through its electronic trading platform.
- Pranav challenged his inclusion in the suit, but the Supreme Court dismissed his plea.
Supreme Court’s Observations
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- The Court noted that Pranav Choksi’s role as a shareholder made him a legitimate party to the recovery suit.
- CJI Surya Kant’s remark about Mehul Choksi reflected the Court’s impatience with fugitives evading justice.
- The Court emphasized that India is ready to welcome Choksi back—but through legal accountability, not luxury treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Pranav Choksi remains a party to the NSEL recovery suit.
- Mehul Choksi’s absence continues to frustrate Indian authorities and courts.
- Judiciary’s strong stance signals that fugitives cannot escape accountability by staying abroad.
Why This Matters
- For India’s financial system: The PNB scam shook public trust in banks and exposed loopholes in regulatory oversight.
- For fugitives abroad: The ruling reinforces India’s determination to pursue economic offenders globally.
- For corporate governance: The case highlights the risks of fraudulent trading practices and weak compliance.
Wider Implications
- Extradition efforts: India may intensify diplomatic and legal efforts to bring Choksi back.
- Family accountability: Relatives of fugitives may face scrutiny if they are linked to fraudulent activities.
- Judicial messaging: Strong remarks from the Supreme Court serve as a warning to other economic offenders.
Expert Reactions
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- Legal experts say the Court’s dismissal of Pranav’s plea was expected, given his shareholder role.
- Financial analysts note that the case highlights systemic risks in commodity trading platforms.
- Public sentiment remains strongly against Choksi, with many demanding swift extraditions.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of Pranav Choksi’s plea and its sharp remarks about Mehul Choksi’s absence underline India’s determination to hold economic offenders accountable. While the nation waits for Choksi’s return, the judiciary has made it clear that fugitives cannot escape justice by hiding abroad. The case also reinforces the principle that family members linked to fraudulent activities cannot evade responsibility.
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