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Fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi has filed a fresh appeal in a London court to stay his extradition. India’s ED and CBI teams are also present in London. She is assisting the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to oppose Nirav’s appeal. The CPS is an independent public agency in England and Wales which takes cases.
Nirav has been declared a fugitive economic offender in India and is wanted to face trial in the Punjab National Bank fraud case. Nirav is accused of fraud of more than Rs 6,498 crore. A British court has already approved his extradition in favor of the Indian government.
Till now, bail applications from Nirav Modi have been rejected about ten times. Senior lawyer Swapnil Kothari said, “The grounds for appeal are very limited. Only arguments like mental health, fear of torture or poor jail conditions are left.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is the main government agency that independently prosecutes criminal cases in England and Wales, reviewing evidence gathered by police and other investigators to decide whether to prosecute.
Why would extradition be a big victory for India?
This matter is not just about Nirav Modi. This is a question of India’s judicial system and legal strength. If Nirav comes to India then:
- This will help in recovering the loss of Rs 14,000 crore suffered by PNB.
- The message will also be sent to other fugitives (Mehul Choksi, Vijay Mallya).
- People’s confidence in the Indian banking system will increase.
- India’s image will be strengthened at the international level.
What could happen next in court?
Experts believe that Nirav’s new appeal also has little chance of success. British courts have already said many times that fair trial will be provided in India and jail conditions are good. Due to the strong preparation of ED-CBI, the appeal is expected to be rejected this time also.
India said- no new allegations will be made
India has told the UK that Nirav will be kept in Barrack No. 12 of Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, where there is no risk of violence, overcrowding or ill-treatment and medical facilities are also available. The agencies have assured the UK that no new charges will be leveled against Nirav.
Nirav is in London jail for 6 years
Nirav Modi, 54, was arrested on March 19, 2019 on an extradition warrant. The then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel had ordered his extradition in April 2021. He has been in London jail for almost six years.
Three criminal proceedings are going on against Nirav
CBI is investigating the case of fraud with Punjab National Bank. ED is looking into the case of money laundering from the fraud proceeds and CBI is running the third case of tampering with evidence and witnesses in the case. Nirav has exhausted all his legal avenues till the Supreme Court and has also applied for bail several times. But all were rejected due to flight risk.
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