Face2News/London
Nirav Modi’s petition to reopen proceedings against his extradition order by UK courts was rejected today by the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London. The matter was strongly argued by the Crown Prosecution Service advocate, ably assisted by a dedicated CBI team, including investigating officers who travelled to London for the hearing.
The reopening application had been filed on the basis of the Bhandari judgment; however, with sustained and coordinated efforts of the CBI, the challenge was successfully overcome. The High Court while handing down the judgment observed that the re-open petition and the circumstances surrounding it are not exceptional so as to make it appropriate to re-open it
CBI has been seeking the extradition of Nirav Modi in connection with the PNB scam involving significant financial wrongdoing with public sector bank, with proceedings ongoing since 2018. Following his arrest in the UK in 2019, courts approved his extradition and rejected earlier appeals, finding no legal barriers and accepting assurances regarding his treatment in India. Although a temporary legal obstacle delayed the process, it was lifted in August 2025.
Nirav Modi had applied to reopen his appeal citing concerns about potential ill-treatment (basis Bhandari judgment) and questioning whether assurances provided by Indian authorities were sufficient to protect his rights. He has been in a UK prison since 19 March 2019.
Nirav Modi is a fugitive economic offender wanted for trial in India in a CBI bank fraud case involving defrauding Punjab National Bank of Rs. 6498.20 crore.
The Crown Prosecution Service was effectively supported by a dedicated CBI team, which prepared the responses in the proceedings and travelled to London specifically for the hearing. The positive outcome highlights the consistent efforts and strong commitment of the Government of India in achieving this success.
