Choksi Still Wants To Stop Netflix From Showing ‘Bad Boy Billionaires’ Documentary

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Delhi High Court adjourned till November 6, a petition filed by businessman and diamantaire Mehul Choksi, who is an accused in the PNB scam, against the Netflix documentary titled ‘Bad Boy Billionaires’.

Choksi, the promoter of Gitanjali Gems, and his nephew Nirav Modi are accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case.

Choksi left the country last year and was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda. Delhi HC dismisses Mehul Choksi’s plea seeking pre-screening of Netflix series Advocate Vijay Aggarwal, appearing for Choksi, said there is a footage about his client in the series which allegedly shows him in a bad light and therefore, could affect the various proceedings against him in India.

Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul, appearing for Netflix, told the bench that the trailer, based on which the initial plea was filed before the single judge, does not refer to Choksi or name him. This claim of Netflix was opposed by Aggarwal who sought permission from the court to show the trailer of the series on the next date of hearing, September 29.

During the hearing, the bench said the “conduct of the petitioner is also of some relevance” when a constitutional court is deciding whether to exercise its writ jurisdiction. The single judge had dismissed Choksi”s plea on the ground that he had an alternative remedy available — of filing a civil suit — and that a writ petition for enforcement of a private right was not maintainable.

Aggarwal contended that his client”s fundamental right to a fair trial and investigation would be affected by the airing of the series and therefore, a writ was maintainable. He urged the bench that the matter be sent back to the single judge for being heard as a writ. Why has Mehul Choksi moved HC against Netflix original Bad Boy Billionaires The court, however, asked, “Is your (Choksi) conduct consistent with what you desire? Your are not under trial now. You claim fair trial and fair investigation, but is your conduct consistent with that claim?” It also noted that after going to the US for treatment, Choksi obtained citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda with “terrific alacrity”.

The observation by the court came after Aggarwal said that Choksi left for New York for treatment on January 4, 2018 and then took the oath of allegiance in Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018. “It is terrific alacrity for someone with medical ailments,” the bench observed. Aggarwal responded to the comment by saying that it was only a four hour flight from New York to Antigua and Barbuda and his client went to the US as his doctor was there and he was being treated there for some time.

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7 COMMENTS

    • @Conrad the Red Kool Aid Drinker:
      Because he is a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda.Just like you.When you bed down with dogs.You could arise with fleas.That is what could happen when you sell our Passports to bearers of fleas and ticks.

      • Are You speaking of Baldwin Spencer who a US indictment documents points out he exchanged diplomatic passports for moneys sent to his personal bank account? He has already acknowledged he received the funds. Nowhere in such arrangement was it stated that due diligence checks were done. Ng Lap Seng and the others have been convicted in US courts for the associated bribery. In Choksi case, Indian law enforcement officials told the CIP here he was clean (see India confirms giving clean chit to Choksi, by Kallol Bhattacherje, UGUST 03, 2018, The Hindu)

  1. I see his nephew is still in the UK fighting extradition:

    “Earlier this month, hearings in the extradition case of fugitive economic offender, diamond merchant Nirav Modi concluded in London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court. This round of arguments was held to determine the merits of a prima facie case of fraud and money laundering mentioned in the material supplied by the Indian government. After further hearing in November-December, a judgement is expected at the end of the year or early next year.” see As UK Becomes a Haven for Financial Fraudsters, How Can India Improve its Extradition Success Rate?, 01/OCT/2020, The Wire

  2. Antigua needs to stop selling passports to criminals giving them a safe haven from justice. He should be stripped of citizenship and deported.

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