Modi, who has been lodged in London’s Wandsworth Prison since March 2019, had earlier exhausted all legal remedies in the United Kingdom, with British courts rejecting each of his appeals. The courts had upheld assurances provided by Indian authorities regarding prison conditions and his treatment, ruling them sufficient to proceed with extradition.
In April 2021, then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel had already approved his extradition to India. Despite this, Modi continued to pursue multiple legal challenges. His final appeal against extradition was dismissed in March 2026 by UK courts, marking a decisive setback to his efforts to avoid transfer.
Following this, he approached the European Court of Human Rights in France in April 2026. However, sources indicate that this petition also failed to yield any relief, further weakening his legal position.
According to diplomatic and legal sources, UK authorities have now initiated administrative procedures to hand over Nirav Modi to Indian agencies. Officials suggest that there are no remaining legal obstacles preventing his extradition, and the process could move forward at any time.
Nirav Modi is wanted in India in connection with three separate cases, including the Punjab National Bank fraud investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation, a money laundering case pursued by the Enforcement Directorate, and a separate case involving alleged tampering with evidence and witnesses. Indian agencies, including the CBI and ED, have been seeking his extradition for years in relation to alleged financial crimes involving substantial sums.
With all major appeals exhausted in the UK and the European human rights petition reportedly unsuccessful, officials believe the legal framework obstructing his return to India has effectively collapsed. The development marks a critical turning point in one of India’s most closely followed financial fraud extradition cases.
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