UK court says fugitive jeweller failed to show ‘exceptional circumstances’ to revisit proceedings
The High Court of Justice in London has dismissed a petition filed by fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi seeking to reopen proceedings related to his extradition to India.
The King’s Bench Division ruled that Modi’s application did not meet the legal threshold of “exceptional circumstances” required to reopen a case that had already been adjudicated.
Modi raised concerns over treatment in India
Modi, accused in the multi-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, argued that he could face mistreatment if extradited to India. His legal team questioned whether assurances provided by Indian authorities regarding his prison conditions were sufficient.
The plea also referred to the Bhandari case, but the court was not convinced that the precedent justified reopening the matter.
India and UK prosecutors strongly opposed plea
During the hearing, the Crown Prosecution Service strongly opposed Modi’s application. The UK prosecution was supported by officials from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), with investigating officers travelling to London to assist the proceedings.
Modi has been lodged in a UK prison since March 2019, after his arrest by British authorities.
Massive bank fraud case
Indian investigators are pursuing Modi in connection with a Rs 6,498.20 crore fraud involving Punjab National Bank, one of India’s largest state-owned banks.
The CBI alleges that Modi orchestrated a major banking scam involving fraudulent letters of undertaking issued by bank officials, leading to massive losses.
Multiple criminal proceedings pending
The fugitive businessman faces three separate criminal proceedings in India. These include the CBI investigation into the PNB fraud, a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate, and allegations that he attempted to interfere with witnesses and evidence in the case.
In April 2021, then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel approved Modi’s extradition to India after courts found a prima facie case against him.
Since then, Modi has made multiple attempts to secure bail in UK courts, but all have been rejected.
The latest ruling is being viewed as a major step forward in India’s efforts to bring the fugitive businessman back to face trial.
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