Endgame for Nirav Modi, extradition likely

Nirav Modi’s extradition is now likely after he lost his last appeal at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The main accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case involving fake Letters of Undertaking worth over Rs 13,000 crore, Nirav Modi, has been fighting extradition since his arrest in London in March 2019. He has remained in Wandsworth Prison throughout this lengthy legal process.

Indian agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), got a UK court order for Modi’s extradition years ago. However, he kept challenging the order at various legal fora in the UK, including the High Court, which rejected his claims of mental health issues, risk of suicide, poor prison conditions and unfair trial, and accepted India’s promises about his safety and care.

In April this year, Modi turned to the ECHR in Strasbourg. That last-ditch effort has now failed. The ECHR refused to grant interim relief or intervene, clearing the final legal hurdle. He has no more legal options left, so the UK can now send him to India once the final paperwork is done.

Diplomatic sources say UK officials have begun the process of handing Modi over. Extradition could happen soon, depending only on routine arrangements between the UK Home Office and Indian agencies. When he arrives in India, Modi will likely be held at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail while he undergoes trial.