SAFEMA Tribunal gives relief to Lalit Modi in 2009 IPL case
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi on Wednesday said he plans to visit India later this year or early next year after receiving major legal relief from the Appellate Tribunal in the long-running 2009 IPL South Africa foreign exchange case, describing the ruling as the vindication of a 16-year battle.
In a video message posted on social media, Modi said the tribunal’s verdict had finally established the truth behind his stand on the case.
“I’m really happy with the verdict. It’s really been a great day. Sixteen years I have fought, and whatever I have been saying to the media and to everybody has finally emerged as the truth,” Modi said.
Lalit Modi (@LalitKModi) posts: “I am really looking forward to returning to India after a long long time. Stay well and stay safe.”
“For clarity. I will continue to live in London and visit India as it’s my country from time to time and to establish my son rightful place in… pic.twitter.com/kaVQPfXbl8
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 22, 2026
The Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA) on Tuesday set aside key penalties imposed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against Modi and other former BCCI officials in connection with the conduct of the 2009 IPL in South Africa.
The tribunal held that the foreign remittances in question were current account transactions that did not require prior RBI approval. It also ruled that Modi was not responsible for ensuring the BCCI’s compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Modi, who has been living in London since leaving India in 2010 amid multiple investigations, said the legal chapter was now behind him.
“I’m going to move on in my life, and I’m looking forward to coming back to India. Yes, I will come back, probably at the end of this year or early next year. My daughter is due to give birth to my grandson in October, and hopefully everything will be well and I’ll be back in India,” he said.
In a separate post on X, Modi said India had always remained close to him despite his prolonged stay overseas.
“India has always been a part of who I am. The legal process has taken its course, and I respect that. I look forward to visiting my country again, meeting old friends from time to time, and contributing in every positive way I can.”
Modi, 62, also clarified that he will continue to live in London.
“My home remains in London, and that is where I will continue to live, but my heart has never stopped beating for India,” he wrote.
Modi, the architect of the Indian Premier League, maintained that his actions throughout the 2009 episode were guided solely by the interests of the tournament.
“I was only concerned with the well-being of the IPL and nothing else. That is what is most dear to me,” he said.
The ED case stemmed from the relocation of the 2009 IPL season to South Africa after the tournament clashed with the Lok Sabha elections in India.
The agency had alleged violations of FEMA provisions in relation to foreign exchange transactions linked to the event, but the tribunal rejected the central basis of those allegations while granting relief to Modi and other officials.
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