UK judge flagged 'confidential impediment' blocking Nirav Modi's extradition to India

Nirav Modi’s extradition to India is being held up by a “confidential impediment,” according to a London High Court ruling issued this week, reported PTI. Justice Michael Fordham remarked while rejecting Modi’s latest bail application, noting that a legal barrier—whose details remain undisclosed—is stopping UK authorities from handing over the 54-year-old to India.

Modi, who is wanted in India on charges of fraud, money laundering, and witness interference, has been in prison since March 2019. Although the UK government approved his extradition in 2021, the process has not moved forward. The judge said the confidential nature of the issue limits what the court can realistically assess, particularly when reviewing the long delay and the risk of granting bail.

“There is a legal reason which relates to confidential proceedings,” Justice Fordham said. The court said that this information is known to Nirav Modi, his lawyers, and the Home Office—but not to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Indian authorities, or the court itself.

CPS lawyer Nicholas Hearn, representing the Indian side, acknowledged the existence of the issue and said it must be respected, without disclosing further.

The confidential matter is widely believed to involve an asylum application, but the court has not confirmed this.

Meanwhile, Modi’s legal team argued for bail on health and humanitarian grounds, pointing to physical and mental deterioration and risks in prison. But the judge found that these concerns did not outweigh the likelihood that Modi would flee if released.

There are three ongoing criminal cases against Nirav Modi in India, including one by the CBI over fraud linked to Punjab National Bank, another by the Enforcement Directorate for money laundering, and a third for interfering with witnesses. All bail attempts so far have been denied.