UK court slams door on Nirav Modi's bid to escape extradition to India

The London High Court on Wednesday rejected fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi’s petition to reopen his extradition case to India, where he is wanted for the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud , one of the country’s largest financial scandals.

Modi had approached the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division , citing concerns over potential ill-treatment in India and referencing the recent arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari judgment . The court, however, found that the circumstances were not exceptional enough to reopen the case, effectively ending Modi’s legal challenge.

A team of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials , including investigating officers, traveled to London to assist the Crown Prosecution Service. “The reopening application was filed based on the Bhandari judgment. But with sustained and coordinated efforts of the CBI, the challenge was successfully overcome,” said a CBI spokesperson.

Nirav Modi , who has been in a UK prison since March 19, 2019, is accused of defrauding PNB in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi , siphoning off Rs 6,498.20 crore through fraudulent letters of undertaking and shell companies. He faces multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and money laundering . The case has been under investigation since 2018.

With the court rejecting his petition, officials say Modi’s extradition to India is now expected within the next few months of 2026 , once final administrative formalities in the UK are completed. Upon arrival, he will face trial in a special court handling economic offenses related to the PNB scam.

“The positive outcome highlights the consistent efforts and strong commitment of the Indian government to bring economic offenders to justice,” the CBI spokesperson added.

This decision marks a major step toward holding Nirav Modi accountable, ending a legal battle spanning more than seven years since the scam was exposed, and reinforcing India’s resolve against high-profile financial crimes.