Wining Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi has moved a fresh appeal before a London court seeking to halt his extradition to India in the ₹6,498-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. The move comes even as British courts have already cleared his extradition and Indian agencies remain confident of success. Teams from the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI are currently in London, coordinating closely with the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service to oppose the appeal. Modi, declared a fugitive economic offender in India, has been lodged in a London prison for nearly six years while exhausting all available legal remedies.

Fresh legal move despite earlier clearances

Nirav Modi’s latest appeal is aimed at reopening limited legal grounds that remain available under UK law. Senior legal experts say these grounds are narrow and mostly restricted to humanitarian concerns. His previous bail applications have been rejected nearly ten times by UK courts, primarily due to the risk of flight. According to senior advocate Swapnil Kothari, arguments such as mental health concerns, fear of torture, or poor prison conditions are among the few points left for the defence to raise.

CPS and Indian agencies coordinate defence

The Crown Prosecution Service, the independent public body responsible for criminal prosecutions in England and Wales, is leading the case against Modi’s appeal. Indian agencies are assisting by providing documentation, assurances and case material. The CPS reviews evidence gathered by investigators and represents the requesting state in extradition matters. British courts have repeatedly accepted India’s position that Modi will receive a fair trial and adequate custodial conditions.

Why extradition matters for India

For India, Nirav Modi’s extradition is seen as a critical test of its legal and diplomatic resolve. Officials say the case goes beyond one individual and carries wider implications.

• Recovery of losses linked to the PNB fraud, estimated at over ₹14,000 crore
• Strong deterrent message to other fugitives like Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya
• Restoration of public confidence in the banking system
• Boost to India’s global credibility in pursuing economic offenders

Assurances on jail, trial and charges

India has formally assured UK authorities that Modi will be housed in Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, Barrack Number 12, considered secure and monitored. Authorities have stated there is no risk of violence, overcrowding or mistreatment, and that medical facilities are available. New charges will not be added after extradition. British courts have earlier accepted these assurances while clearing the extradition request.

Six years in custody, three cases pending

Nirav Modi, 54, was arrested on March 19, 2019, on an extradition warrant. In April 2021, then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the extradition order. He faces three criminal proceedings in India:

• CBI probe into the PNB loan fraud
• ED case for laundering proceeds of crime
• Additional CBI case for tampering with evidence and influencing witnesses

Legal experts believe the chances of his latest appeal succeeding remain low, and dismissal could finally clear the way for his return to India.