The written assurance submitted by India clarifies that Nirav Modi will not be interrogated in connection with the $2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, addressing one of the UK court’s primary concerns regarding extradition. This step is intended to ensure that his extradition proceedings comply with international legal norms and human rights standards.
If extradited, Nirav Modi will be lodged in Arthur Road Jail, Mumbai, in Barrack No. 12, under standard custodial conditions. The assurance parallels India’s previous guarantees to Belgium regarding Mehul Choksi, emphasizing humane treatment and adherence to international norms.
Nirav Modi, who has been in UK custody since March 2019, has repeatedly challenged his extradition, filing a fresh application last month. UK courts have previously cited flight risk concerns, rejecting multiple bail pleas, including his tenth application in 2022.
The assurance follows UK officials’ inspection of Tihar Jail to verify that extradited fugitives will receive adequate facilities, food, and medical care, a key factor in addressing prior concerns that led to rejections of India’s extradition requests.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings in India continue against associated individuals in the PNB fraud case. Last month, the special CBI court granted a pardon to Nirav Modi’s brother-in-law, Maiank Mehta, after he agreed to turn approver in the Rs 13,000 crore scam, indicating ongoing efforts to secure evidence and witness cooperation in India.
The UK court is expected to consider these assurances, alongside Nirav Modi’s extradition petition, to determine whether he will be returned to India to face trial under monitored and legally compliant conditions.
