High Court of Justice in London rejected Nirav Modi's appeal against extradition to India

An appeal filed by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi against extradition to India in connection with the Punjab National Bank Scam (PNB Scam) was rejected by the High Court of Justice in London on Wednesday.

There were two grounds for granting leave to appeal to the High Court – Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) to hear arguments about whether it would be “unjust or oppressive” to extradite Modi based on his mental state and Section 91 of the Extradition Act 2003, which also addressed mental health issues.

The charges against Modi include conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and perverting the course of justice through the threat to kill one of his directors, Ashish Lad.

There are two criminal proceedings against him in connection with the PNB Scam, one brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the other by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

In July 2018, the Indian government filed its first request for Modi's extradition. In February 2021, the Westminster Magistrate's Court in the United Kingdom allowed Modi's extradition to India. As noted at the time, Modi faces a 'prima facie' money laundering charge. Upon receiving this ruling, the UK Home Secretary approved his extradition in early April 2021.

Further, Modi approached the High Court of England and Wales against his extradition in June 2021, which was rejected by the HC. He remains imprisoned at Wandsworth Prison in London since his arrest in March 2019.