UK Court Rejects Nirav Modi Extradition Plea
A UK court has rejected Nirav Modi’s bid to reopen his extradition case, bringing the fugitive businessman closer to being sent back to India in the Punjab National Bank fraud case. The ruling is being seen as a major legal setback for Modi after years of court battles in Britain.
UK Court Rejects Nirav Modi Extradition Plea
The High Court of Justice in London refused to reopen Nirav Modi’s extradition case, effectively shutting down what appears to have been one of his final major legal options in the United Kingdom. The court’s decision strengthens India’s long-running effort to bring him back to face charges linked to the PNB fraud case.
Indian Assurances Played Key Role In Verdict
The ruling turned on assurances given by the Indian government that Modi would not be interrogated by the five agencies handling his cases. The judges found those assurances to be specific, binding and made in good faith. The court noted that without these commitments, it may have considered reopening the appeal.
Nirav Modi Cited Sanjay Bhandari Case
Modi had tried to rely on the Sanjay Bhandari extradition ruling, where a UK court blocked extradition on human rights grounds. He argued that he too faced a risk of torture or coercive treatment in India. However, the court said the fresh assurances from India were sufficient to address those concerns and gave little weight to evidence presented by Modi’s side.
Return To India Moves Closer
Nirav Modi has been in UK custody since March 2019. A Westminster court had already ordered his extradition in February 2021, and his appeal was dismissed in 2022. He is accused of defrauding Punjab National Bank of Rs 6,498 crore in a wider fraud case linked to over Rs 13,500 crore. With this latest ruling, his extradition to India now appears significantly closer.
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