Fugitive Nirav Modi faces setback as extradition hearing deferred till March 2026

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The extradition case of fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi has once again been delayed, dealing him a fresh setback. The UK High Court has postponed the hearing on his application to reopen his appeal against extradition to India until March 2026. The decision came after the Government of India submitted fresh and detailed assurances regarding Modi’s custody and prison conditions in India.

The hearing took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where a bench comprising Lord Justice Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Justice Robert Jay observed that the case reminded them of previous proceedings, as Nirav Modi has repeatedly attempted to block his extradition. The court acknowledged that India has provided firm and credible assurances concerning Modi’s pre-trial detention at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail, which now require further consideration.

Representing India, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) argued that Modi’s current application was filed immediately after the conclusion of a separate and confidential legal process. During the hearing, it was indicated that this process, reportedly linked to a possible asylum application, may have already been rejected in August.

The High Court set a clear timeline for the case, directing both sides to submit written arguments by mid-February 2026. A two-day hearing is expected in March or April 2026, during which the court will decide whether Modi should be allowed to reopen his appeal. The court clarified that if permission is denied, his extradition to India will proceed without further delay.

During the proceedings, 54-year-old Nirav Modi appeared via video link from Pentonville Prison in north London and was seen taking notes throughout the hearing. The CPS informed the court that four senior officials from the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate were present in London to observe the proceedings.

Modi’s legal team referred to the extradition case of defence consultant Sanjay Bhandari, who was granted relief earlier this year on human rights grounds. The prosecution opposed this comparison, arguing that Bhandari’s case was different, as India has already provided the necessary assurances in Nirav Modi’s matter.

It is significant to note that Nirav Modi has been in UK custody since March 2019. In India, he faces charges in three criminal cases related to an alleged fraud of nearly $2 billion involving Punjab National Bank, along with accusations of money laundering and tampering with evidence. In April 2021, then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel approved his extradition, but Modi has since continued to delay the process through prolonged legal challenges.