New Delhi: Nirav Modi has lost an appeal in the London High Court on Wednesday and is a step closer to extradition to India.
The fugitive diamond merchant from Gujarat had fled India after allegedly cheating Punjab National Bank (PNB) of Rs 11,000 crore.
The 51-year-old Modi is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate in the massive fraud case linked to PNB.
Delivering the verdict, Lord Justice Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Justice Robert Jay said the court is not convinced with Nirav’s appeal based on mental health ground.
“We are far from satisfied that Mr Modi’s mental condition and the risk of suicide are such that it would be either unjust or oppressive to extradite him,” the court said, according to PTI.
Nirav can appeal against the order to UK’s Supreme Court within 14 days, provided the high court agrees that his case involves a point of law of general public importance.
Otherwise, the diamontaire can approach the European Court of Human Rights.
Nirav’s legal team didn’t immediately spell out his next course of action.
For the time being, the fugitive businessman will remain at London jail where he has been lodged since March 2019.
Nirav’s uncle Mehul Choksi is also accused in the bank fraud case and wanted by Indian agencies. Choksi has taken up citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda.
Also Read: Special Cell Ready For Fugitive Jeweller Nirav Modi At Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail
