Nirav Modi's Fresh Plea Against Extradition in London Court as UK Team Inspects Tihar Jail

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has filed a new plea in a UK court to reopen his extradition case to India. His lawyers argued that, if sent back, he would face interrogation by multiple agencies, poor jail facilities, and possible torture.

Fugitive businessman Nirav Modi has approached a UK court to reopen his extradition case to India. His legal team claimed he risks torture during interrogations and inadequate prison facilities if extradited, even as Indian authorities prepare their legal response. According to a sources quoted by a News18 report, the latest application by Nirav Modi was submitted last month. They reportedly said that the officials and a legal team were preparing to file a response to the petition in London. The latest development follows a recent visit by the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to Tihar Jail for an inspection.

Nirav Modi's legal battle in UK

Nirav Modi, the main accused in the USD 1 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, earlier faced a setback in his legal battle in the UK. On May 15, 2025, the UK High Court rejected his latest bail plea, marking the tenth failed attempt since his arrest in March 2019. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) confirmed the development, noting that the court, after hearing detailed arguments from both sides and reviewing evidence, dismissed the petition. The ED highlighted Modi's alleged laundering of fraud proceeds through shell companies abroad, with part of the assets already attached and returned to victim banks.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) also issued a statement, stressing that its officers, along with the Crown Prosecution Service in London, strongly opposed Modi’s bail request. The agency recalled that Modi is a declared fugitive economic offender, accused of defrauding PNB of ₹6,498.20 crore. Despite several appeals, including one to the UK Supreme Court in 2022, Modi’s attempts to block extradition have failed. His extradition to India has already been approved by UK authorities. Meanwhile, investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi remain ongoing, with multiple assets seized.

Since his arrest under an extradition warrant on 19 March 2019, Nirav Modi has been lodged at Wandsworth Prison, London. In April 2021, then-UK Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the order approving his extradition to India after a UK court found there was sufficient evidence ('prima facie case') to send him for trial.

(With ANI inputs)