UK Court Gives its Nod to Extradite Nirav Modi to India

On Thursday, a court in the United Kingdom ruled that diamond merchant Nirav Modi could be extradited to India in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case. He is facing charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to $1.4 billion.

Rejecting Modi's contention that his mental health would deteriorate further because of the prison conditions in India amid the pandemic the court said that there is no determinative evidence such that it makes it clear that Nirav Modi would be found by the Court in India to be unfit to plead. The judge placed reliance on the assurances provided by the Indian Government with respect to the medical facilities that would be provided to Nirav Modi.

The court said that Nirav Modi and his brother conspired to defraud the PNB and he has a case to answer in India, adding that a prima facie case has been formed against him. In accordance with the Indian government's submissions, the judge said there was no evidence, that there would be no justice if Nirav Modi gets extradited.

The magistrates’ court ruling will be sent back to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel for a sign-off with the prospect of appeals on either side in the High Court.

"Since the Magistrates' Court has recommended Nirav Modi's extradition to the UK Home Secretary, the government of India would liaise with UK authorities for his early extradition to India," Anurag Srivastava, MEA spokesperson, said on Thursday according to news agency ANI.

On March 19, 2019, the businessman was arrested on an extradition warrant, following which he appeared for several hearings in the case via video from Wandsworth Jail.

Modi is accused of fraudulently conspiring to get letters of undertaking issued in his favour facilitating enormous unpaid loans. He is also accused of intimidating witnesses and tampering with evidence.

Read the full order here - GOI v. Nirav Modi.pdf