Priti Patel signs Nirav Modi’s extradition order

Monday 19th April 2021 07:48 EDT
 

Home Secretary Priti Patel has signed diamond merchant Nirav Modi’s extradition order. While it doesn’t mean that he will go back to India, he can actually appeal in the High Court, and later Supreme court to seek asylum in the UK over a period of 14 days starting from the date of Priti Patel’s signature on the order. 

 

A UK Home office spokesperson said, “On February 25, the District Judge gave judgment in the extradition case of Nirav Modi. The extradition order was signed on April 15.” 

 

The Westminster Magistrates’ Court had ruled in the favour of the Indian government in February 2021, clearing the legal pathway to Nirav Modi’s extradition. Thereafter, Patel’s signature on the order was the final deal until he could become eligible to appeal. Nirav Modi is being charged with fraud and money laundering of Punjab National Bank scam case which amounts up to $2Mn. He was arrested in March 2019 and since then, has been at London's Wandsworth Prison. 

 

“Experts also cite the case of former Kingfisher Airlines chief Vijay Mallya, who remains on bail in the UK while a "confidential" matter, believed to be related to an asylum request, is being resolved,” Hindustan Times reported. 

 

Nirav Modi had been appearing for a hearing via live streaming while in jail. Online reports suggested that if extradited, Nirav Modi will be kept at Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail, which kept a special cell ready for him at barrack 12. If lodged in this barrack, earlier prepared for Vijay Mallya, Modi likely to get three square meters of personal space, where a cotton mat, pillow, bedsheet and blanket will be provided. 


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