London High Court rejects Nirav Modi’s “reopen” petition against extradition

The London High Court has dismissed diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s petition seeking reopening of the case against the extradition order in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Nirav Modi’s petition to reopen proceedings against the extradition order by the UK courts was dismissed today by the High Court of Justice of the King’s Bench Division in London,” the agency said.

“The matter was argued forcefully by the Crown Prosecution Service advocate, ably supported by a special CBI team, including investigating officers who traveled to London for the hearing. The application for reopening was made on the basis of the Bhandari judgment,” he said.

While delivering the order, the Supreme Court observed that the reopening petition and the circumstances surrounding it were not exceptional enough to make reopening appropriate.

The CBI is seeking Mr Modi’s extradition and the proceedings have been ongoing since 2018. Following his arrest in the United Kingdom in 2019, courts approved his extradition and rejected earlier objections; He found no legal impediment and accepted assurances regarding his treatment in India.

“Although a temporary legal bar delayed the process, it was lifted in August 2025. Nirav Modi had applied to reopen the appeal, citing concerns about potential mistreatment (based on the Bhandari judgment) and questioning whether the assurances provided by the Indian authorities were sufficient to protect his rights. He has been in a prison in the United Kingdom since March 19, 2019,” the CBI said.

Mr Modi is a fugitive economic criminal wanted in India for trial in a Rs 6,498.20 crore bank fraud case.

“The Crown Prosecution Service was effectively supported by a special CBI team who prepared responses in the trial and traveled specifically to London for the hearing. The positive outcome highlights the consistent efforts and strong determination of the Government of India in achieving this success,” he added.