Vanuatu Cancels Lalit Modi’s Passport Amid Extradition Concerns
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Jotham Napat, has directed the Citizenship Commission to revoke the passport of Lalit Modi, the founder of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision follows revelations that Interpol twice declined India’s requests for an alert notice against Modi due to insufficient judicial evidence.
Vanuatu’s Stance on Citizenship
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister Napat stated, “I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to immediately begin proceedings to cancel Mr. Modi’s Vanuatu passport.” He underscored that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and that applicants must have legitimate reasons for seeking citizenship. The recent developments suggest that Modi’s intention was to evade extradition, which contradicts the principles of Vanuatu’s citizenship program.
Background on Lalit Modi’s Legal Challenges
Lalit Modi has been under scrutiny by Indian authorities for alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as IPL chairman. In 2010, he left India and has since resided in London. Recently, Modi applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London, coinciding with his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship.
Vanuatu’s Enhanced Due Diligence Measures
In recent years, Vanuatu has strengthened its due diligence processes for its citizenship-by-investment program. The government now implements triple-agency checks, including Interpol verification, to ensure that applicants meet all legal and ethical standards. This rigorous approach aims to prevent individuals seeking citizenship for illegitimate purposes, such as evading legal proceedings in their home countries.
Implications for Modi’s Citizenship Status
The cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport raises questions about his current citizenship status and his ability to travel internationally. Without valid citizenship, Modi may face challenges in securing residency or travel rights in other countries. Furthermore, this development could impact ongoing legal proceedings and extradition efforts by Indian authorities.
India’s Continued Pursuit
The Indian government has been persistent in its efforts to bring Modi to justice. Despite setbacks, such as Interpol’s rejection of alert notices, Indian authorities continue to explore legal avenues to ensure accountability. The cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport may provide new opportunities for India to press for his extradition and address the allegations against him.
