- By Shibra Arshad
- Sat, 25 Oct 2025 11:41 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nirav Modi Extradition Case: In a fresh development in the ongoing extradition proceedings against Nirav Modi in London, former Supreme Court Justice Deepak Verma has submitted an expert opinion in favour of the fugitive businessman. Modi has moved to reopen his extradition case following Deepak Verma's expert opinion.
Verma has backed Modi's argument that if he is brought back to India, multiple agencies would interrogate him, and he would not receive a fair trial under the country's judicial system, Hindustan Times reported, quoting sources.
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Justice Deepak Verma's Testimony In Vijay Mallya Case
Verma has previously testified in London in Vijay Mallya's bankruptcy case against Indian banks. However, Mallya ended up losing that case. Officials have expressed concern over Verma's statement on the system. "The expert witness has questioned our jails and judicial system to back fugitive Modi’s case,” the investigating officer told HT. When asked about this, Verma responded, "I do not comment on ongoing cases."
Westminster Magistrates' Court in London accepted Modi's appeal in August, with the next hearing scheduled for November 23. The Indian government has urged the UK to close the matter, sending an assurance letter stating that if Modi is extradited, he would only be questioned in connection with the trial, and no other agency would take him into custody.
What Are Allegations Against Nirav Modi
Nirav Modi faces charges of defrauding Punjab National Bank (PNB) of Rs 6,498 crore, part of a larger Rs 13,578 crore scam. His uncle, Mehul Choksi, is also an accused in the case. Modi has been lodged in London's Wandsworth Prison since his arrest by Scotland Yard on March 19, 2019, following India's extradition request.
On February 25, 2021, Westminster Magistrate Judge Sam Goole ordered Modi's extradition, a decision later upheld by the UK High Court on November 9, 2022. The High Court also rejected his plea to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Modi has been declared a Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized assets worth Rs 2,598 crore from him, of which Rs 981 crore has been returned to banks. India is also pursuing legal proceedings to recover Rs 130 crore in foreign assets from the UK.
Markandey Katju's Testimony In Nirav Modi's Favour Fell Flat
Earlier, Modi had presented testimony from former Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju during his hearing. However, Judge Goozee dismissed it, stating, "I do not give much weight to Katju's opinion, as his statement was laden with personal biases and criticisms."
Decision On Mehul Choksi
Last week, Belgium's Antwerp Court of Appeal approved Mehul Choksi's extradition. The court ruled that Choksi would not face political prosecution in India, nor any risk of torture or injustice. It also rejected his claim of being abducted from Antigua.