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

The London High Court has rejected the petition of diamond merchant Nirav Modi to reopen proceedings against his 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 his extradition order by U.K. courts was rejected today by the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London,” said the agency.

“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,” it said.

The High Court, while handing down the judgment, observed that the reopen petition and the circumstances surrounding it are not exceptional so as to make it appropriate to re-open it.

The CBI has been seeking the extradition of Mr. Modi, with proceedings ongoing since 2018. Following his arrest in the U.K. 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 U.K. prison since March 19, 2019,” the CBI said.

Mr. Modi is a fugitive economic offender wanted for trial in India in the ₹6,498.20-crore bank fraud case.

“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,” it added.