High Court ruling may end Modi’s last UK legal option as India’s assurances strengthen extradition case
The High Court of Justice in London on Wednesday rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s plea to reopen his extradition case, bringing him closer to being sent back to India. The ruling signals a major setback for Modi, who has tried several legal routes to stop extradition. He has remained in a UK prison since March 2019. Indian agencies have pursued his return for years in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.
Indian government assurances played a decisive role in the verdict
The court based its decision on strong assurances from the Government of India, submitted in September 2025, December 2025, and again in February 2026 through a note verbale from the Indian High Commission in London. India assured the UK court that five investigating agencies will not interrogate Modi if he returns. The judges called these assurances clear and specific. They also said the government gave them in good faith and with the intent to follow them strictly.
Modi cited Sanjay Bhandari case but failed to convince the court
Modi’s lawyers relied heavily on the Sanjay Bhandari case, where a UK court blocked extradition on human rights grounds. They argued that Modi also faced a similar risk of torture in India. The bench, led by Lord Justice Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Justice Robert Jay, accepted that the Bhandari judgment raised serious concerns. The judges even described the findings as worrying. However, they said India’s fresh assurances removed the need to reopen the appeal.
CBI confirms London visit as extradition process moves forward
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed that its officers travelled to London to assist the Crown Prosecution Service in opposing Modi’s plea. Modi faces charges for allegedly defrauding Punjab National Bank of ₹6,498 crore, which forms part of the larger ₹13,578-crore scam. Authorities have linked around ₹7,000 crore of the total fraud to his uncle Mehul Choksi. India has told UK authorities that Modi will stay at Arthur Road jail in Mumbai after extradition. With the UK court rejecting his latest attempt, Modi now stands closer to facing trial in India. fraud, with a major portion linked to his uncle Mehul Choksi. Indian authorities have informed UK officials that Modi will be housed in Mumbai’s Arthur Road prison upon extradition. With the UK court now refusing to reopen the matter, the extradition process appears closer than ever, strengthening India’s efforts to bring the fugitive diamantaire back to face trial.
