[PNB fraud case] Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court grants medical bail to Mehul Choksi

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to fugitive jeweller Mehul Choksi to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for specialised medical attention..The 'consent order' passed by Madam Justice Bernie Stephenson stated,."The Applicant (Choksi) shall be granted bail and permitted to travel to Antigua & Barbuda for specialised medical attention not available within the jurisdiction (of Commonwealth of Dominica) as recommended by the medical authorities"..Choksi, a declared fugitive economic offender, is an accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case worth Rs.14,500 crore. .Indian agencies had moved the court in Dominica to get Choksi repatriated to India so that he can face trial in the money laundering case..Choksi's counsel informed the Court that Choksi would be consulting Dr. Gaden Osbourne, neurologist, at St. John Medical Centre at Antigua and Barbuda..The Court directed that any change of specialist or further referral to another specialist shall be informed to the Court. .Prior to his admission to bail, Choksi was directed to deposit an amount of $10,000 XCD (Eastern Caribbean dollar) in cash with the Registrar of Dominican High Court to secure his appearance on the date fixed for the trial before the Magistrate's court or any other date. .All proceedings before Magistrate's Court were adjourned while Choksi is out of the State and receiving medical attention until certified by a doctor fit to stand trial. .Choksi was directed to notify the Registrar of Antiguan High Court of his address in Antigua and Barbuda and shall not change that address without prior notice..Upon his return to Dominica, he has been directed to inform the Registrar of Dominican High Court of his new address.