Choksi will return to Dominica to face trial only when fit, media reports citing bail conditions

New Delhi, July 13

Diamantaire Mehul Choksi will return to Dominica to face trial for illegal entry into that country “only” when a doctor "certifies" that he is fit to stand trial, the media there reported citing conditions laid down by the Dominica High Court while granting him bail.

In a major setback to Indian efforts to bring him from the Caribbean country, Dominica High Court Judge Bernie Stephenson allowed the businessman to return to Antigua and Barbuda, where he has been living as a citizen since 2018 after leaving India, to seek medical advice from neurologist Hayden Osborne at the Mount St John's Medical Centre, Dominica News Online reported.

Choksi is having a clot in brain besides other health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, his legal team has submitted.

The High Court also ordered that Choksi must intimate the court in case of any change of specialist and his address in Antigua where he was going to stay.

The judge said Choksi would return to Dominica only when a doctor certifies that he is fit to stand trial, the news website reported.

Choksi has sought a judicial review of the case of illegal entry into Dominica brought upon him by the local police and decision of a minister there to declare him a prohibited immigrant.

The matter has now been deferred till January 26, 2022.

His trial for illegal entry before a magistrate has also been stayed.

The High Court also ordered he must notify the court of his address in Dominica once he returns and his bail will be reviewed within 48 hours.

The hearing of bail was held as lawyers intimated the court of his worsening health.

The doctors recommend an urgent review of his medical condition by a neurologist and a neurosurgical consultant.

"The services are not currently available on the island. All courtesies extended to him would be greatly appreciated," the CT scan report dated June 29 signed by doctors Yerandy Galle Gutierrez and Rene Gilbert Veranes of Princess Margaret Hospital of Dominica said.

The High Court order has come as a major jolt to Indian efforts to bring back Choksi, wanted in Rs 13,500 crore scam in Punjab National Bank, from Dominica where he was held for illegal entry after his mysterious disappearance from Antigua and Barbuda. PTI