A London court will hear fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi's petition on November 23. Modi has sought to reopen his extradition case. In his petition, he has argued that if he is extradited to India, he could be interrogated by Indian agencies.
London: Fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi has approached the UK's Westminster Court to avoid potential torture and interrogation following his extradition to India. In his petition, Nirav Modi stated that if he is extradited to India, various investigating agencies could interrogate him, leading to mental and physical torment.
The UK court has scheduled a hearing for this petition on November 23, 2025. Modi's petition is related to the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam, where he is accused of defrauding more than Rs 6,498 crore through hundreds of Letters of Undertaking.
Basis of Nirav Modi's Petition
Nirav Modi argued in court that he could be interrogated and subjected to unfair treatment or mental torture after extradition. He requested the court to reopen his extradition case in light of this apprehension and ensure his safety measures. Nirav Modi has already filed all his legal appeals up to the Supreme Court of India. Now, he has requested the UK court to reopen the case and conduct a hearing.
According to experts, Indian investigating agencies may reiterate their old assurance to the court that Modi will not be interrogated upon extradition. An official stated, "We have filed the charge sheet in the case. There is no need to interrogate him currently. Our investigation is almost complete. If the UK court wishes, we can assure that he will not be subjected to any interrogation upon extradition."
Allegations Against Nirav Modi
Nirav Modi is accused in the PNB scam of conspiring to embezzle more than Rs 6,498 crore using hundreds of Letters of Undertaking (LoUs). All investigating agencies currently involved in the case agree that there is no longer a need to interrogate Modi. India has already informed the UK that Modi will be kept in Barrack 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, where he will not be at risk of any violence, overcrowding, or mistreatment. Additionally, full medical facilities have been provided in the jail.
Nirav Modi was once a prominent figure in the Indian jewelry and diamond industry. The 54-year-old Modi was arrested in the UK on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019. At that time, then-UK Home Secretary Priti Patel ordered his extradition in April 2021. Nirav Modi has been imprisoned in a London jail for almost six years, and during this period, he has consistently pursued legal avenues against his extradition to India. His petition indicates that he is fully vigilant about his safety and the protection of his human rights.
