Where’s your father, country waiting to give him red carpet: SC to Choksi’s son
The Supreme Court of India has recently made headlines with its scathing remarks in a case involving Mehul Choksi, a fugitive businessman wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam. The court’s comments were directed at Choksi’s son, who had filed a petition against the National Spot Exchange Limited’s decision to include him in a ₹937-crore recovery suit. The suit is related to the PNB scam, in which Choksi is a key accused.
The court’s observations were sharp and to the point, as it asked the son, “Where’s your respected father nowadays? The country is waiting to give him a red-carpet welcome.” These remarks are a clear indication of the court’s frustration with Choksi’s continued absence from the country, despite being wanted by the law enforcement agencies. The court’s tone was sarcastic, and it is evident that the judiciary is fed up with the delay tactics employed by Choksi and his family members.
Mehul Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, is accused of perpetrating a massive fraud on the PNB, in connivance with some bank officials. The scam, which was uncovered in 2018, involved the issuance of fake letters of undertaking (LoUs) to Choksi’s companies, which were then used to obtain credit from overseas banks. The total amount involved in the scam is estimated to be over ₹13,000 crore, making it one of the largest banking scams in Indian history.
Choksi, who fled the country in January 2018, just before the scam was detected, has been living in Antigua and Barbuda, a Caribbean island nation. Despite repeated requests from the Indian government, Choksi has refused to return to the country, citing health reasons and fearing “mob lynching” if he returns. The Indian government has been trying to extradite Choksi, but the process has been slow, and he continues to live in exile.
The Supreme Court’s remarks are a clear indication that the judiciary is not buying Choksi’s excuses for not returning to the country. The court’s observation that the “country is waiting to give him a red-carpet welcome” is a clear hint that Choksi will be given a grand reception, albeit in a prison cell, if he returns to the country. The court’s tone is a reflection of the widespread outrage and anger among the Indian public, who feel that Choksi has cheated the system and gotten away with it.
The PNB scam has had far-reaching consequences for the Indian banking system, with several top bankers and officials being arrested and charged in connection with the scam. The scam has also led to a significant increase in scrutiny of the banking sector, with regulators and lawmakers taking steps to prevent such scams from happening in the future.
In the context of the PNB scam, the Supreme Court’s remarks are significant, as they highlight the need for accountability and justice. The court’s observations are a clear message to Choksi and his family members that they will not be able to escape the law forever. The court’s tone is also a reflection of the growing frustration among the Indian public, who feel that the rich and powerful are able to get away with crimes, while the ordinary citizens are left to suffer.
The case involving Choksi’s son is a significant development in the PNB scam saga, as it highlights the attempts by Choksi and his family members to delay and obstruct the legal process. The Supreme Court’s dismissal of the petition filed by Choksi’s son is a clear indication that the judiciary will not tolerate any further delay tactics and will ensure that justice is served.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s remarks in the case involving Mehul Choksi’s son are a significant development in the PNB scam saga. The court’s observations are a clear indication of the judiciary’s frustration with Choksi’s continued absence from the country and the delay tactics employed by him and his family members. The court’s tone is a reflection of the widespread outrage and anger among the Indian public, who feel that Choksi has cheated the system and gotten away with it. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies bring Choksi to justice and ensure that he faces the consequences of his actions.
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