Nirav Modi's extradition moves closer after UK appeal fails
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has lost a key legal appeal in the United Kingdom, bringing him one step closer to extradition to India. The UK High Court dismissed his appeal against the extradition order, which was originally granted by a Westminster Magistrates' Court in February 2024. This decision leaves Modi with limited legal options to avoid being sent back to India to face charges in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
Legal battle in London courts
Modi, who has been lodged in a London prison since his arrest in 2019, had challenged the extradition order on multiple grounds, including the alleged political nature of the case and concerns over prison conditions in India. However, the High Court ruled against him, stating that the Indian government had provided sufficient assurances regarding his treatment. According to the UK court, the evidence presented by Indian authorities met the required legal standards for extradition.
The Indian government, through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), has been pursuing Modi's extradition for over five years. The CBI has alleged that Modi and his associates defrauded PNB of over Rs 13,500 crore through the issuance of fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs). The ED has also filed a money laundering case against him.
Impact and next steps
With this appeal dismissed, Modi can now only appeal to the UK Supreme Court, but legal experts say the chances of success are slim. The Indian government has welcomed the ruling, with officials stating that it paves the way for his swift extradition. Once extradited, Modi will be produced before Indian courts to face trial.
The PNB fraud, which came to light in 2018, is one of the biggest banking scams in Indian history. Modi fled India in early 2018 and was arrested in London in 2019. His extradition has been a long-standing demand of Indian investigative agencies.
