Architectural Details of Arthur Road Jail Presented in Belgian Court for Mehul Choksi's Extradition

Overview of Arthur Road Jail's Facilities

The high-security Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, designated to house fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi upon his extradition, has had its architectural designs and internal images submitted to a Belgian court. This submission is part of an affidavit aimed at assuring humane detention conditions. The images are included in a set of six technical documents titled 'Conditions of Jail Barrack 12, Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai,' prepared by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to demonstrate the adequacy and security of the jail facilities.

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According to the submitted images, Barrack Number 12, designated for Choksi, spans approximately 46.5 square meters (around 500 square feet) and includes a main room, corridor, washing area, and toilet. The facility is equipped with ventilated windows, mosquito nets, security grills on doors, CCTV surveillance, ceiling fans, and tube lights. It also features a wash basin and a shower with running water, along with PVC flooring and wall tiles for improved sanitation.

A mobile jammer is installed at the beam level, and a CCTV camera is positioned near the ventilator to ensure continuous monitoring. The affidavit emphasizes that this unit has recently been renovated and complies with international detention standards. This presentation is part of an official affidavit submitted by the Indian government to the Belgian court, where Choksi has raised concerns about alleged threats to his life and the conditions of Indian jails in opposition to his extradition.

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Officials reportedly included these architectural visuals to illustrate that Choksi will not be placed in overcrowded general wards but rather in a well-ventilated, secure, and monitored cell. The images, dated June 5, 2025, bear the signatures of Shailaja Sakharikar (architect) and D. Roychowdhury (Chief Engineer, CPWD, Mumbai-I). They include detailed 3D renderings of the room and toilet area, scale plans, and section diagrams that reflect modern design and maintenance. Each sheet is stamped by CPWD and was prepared under the supervision of the Chief Engineer's office located at Prestige Building on M.K. Road in Mumbai.