Overview
- The High Court in London concluded a two-day hearing on Nirav Modi’s application and reserved judgment on whether to reopen his extradition appeal.
- Modi’s team argues the February 2025 Bhandari judgment and fresh evidence show a real risk of ill-treatment in Indian custody.
- Defense counsel challenges India’s sovereign assurances as unenforceable across agencies, citing potential actions by the Income Tax Department, SFIO and DRI despite a CBI affidavit.
- Representing India, Helen Malcolm KC says the assurances are binding and that Modi will not be interrogated by CBI or ED, describing his bid as delaying tactics and alleging concealment of about $300 million as well as interference with evidence and witnesses.
- The bench noted possible diplomatic consequences if assurances were breached, as Modi appeared by video from Pentonville prison and three CBI officers observed in person.