UK Court Turns Down Nirav Modi’s Fresh Bail Petition

Nirav Modi

In a major legal blow, fugitive diamond trader Nirav Modi’s fresh bail plea has been rejected by the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division in London.

Modi has been lodged in a UK prison since March 19, 2019, following his arrest in connection with the ₹6,498.20 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

CBI, CPS Mount Strong Opposition

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in a press release, confirmed the bail rejection, stating, “Fresh Bail Petition filed by Nirav Deepak Modi was rejected today by the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, London.”

The agency said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing India, strongly opposed the bail request with assistance from a CBI team of investigators and legal officers who travelled to London. “Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could successfully defend the arguments which resulted in rejection of the bail,” the statement added.

This was Modi’s tenth unsuccessful attempt to secure bail since his detention in the UK.

Modi’s Extradition Already Approved

Nirav Modi, designated a fugitive economic offender in India, is wanted for trial in the PNB fraud case. The CBI reiterated that the UK High Court has already approved his extradition to India.

“This is his 10th bail petition since his detention in UK which was successfully defended by CBI through Crown Prosecution Service, London,” the agency noted.

Multi-Agency Probe In ₹6,498 Crore Scam

The case against Modi, along with his uncle Mehul Choksi, stems from fraudulent Letters of Undertaking issued by PNB. In 2018, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against both businessmen and others involved.

Subsequent raids by the ED led to the seizure of diamonds, gold, pearls, and other high-value assets.

Extradition Fight Nearing End

In December 2022, Modi lost his legal battle in the UK Supreme Court, which refused to entertain his appeal against extradition. That ruling moved him a step closer to being returned to India for trial on charges of fraud and money laundering.

With bail now denied for the tenth time and extradition legally cleared, Modi’s options are narrowing, bringing Indian authorities closer to bringing him back to face justice.

(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)