London: In a significant setback for fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, the UK High Court has refused permission to reopen his extradition case to India, placing strong reliance on the assurances provided by the Indian government.
The Bench, comprising Lord Justice Stuart Smith and Justice Jay, observed that the “quality of assurances” submitted by India through diplomatic channels carried considerable weight in its decision.
Modi had sought to reopen his case citing the ruling in the extradition proceedings of Sanjay Bhandari, where the court halted extradition over concerns of possible mistreatment. However, the judges noted that subsequent assurances provided by Indian authorities addressed such concerns adequately.
The court acknowledged apprehensions raised about custodial conditions but ruled that the commitments made by India were specific, credible, and binding at a diplomatic level. It also underlined the importance of mutual trust between the United Kingdom and India under existing treaty obligations.
Authorities had detailed arrangements for Modi’s custody at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, including security, medical care, and legal access, which the court found sufficient to mitigate risks.
Rejecting claims of potential ill treatment, the Bench stated that the assurances from Indian authorities significantly reduced any real risk, and reopening the appeal was not warranted under exceptional powers.
Modi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, has been in a UK prison since his arrest in 2019. Investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), have been pursuing his extradition for several years.
Officials said coordinated legal efforts and sustained engagement by Indian agencies played a crucial role in countering the arguments presented in the reopening plea.
With this ruling, the path for Modi’s extradition to India remains firmly in place, bringing authorities a step closer to securing his return to face trial.