The extradition case of fugitive Nirav Modi has entered its final stages in a UK court on Tuesday 3 November. The 49-year-old diamantaire is fighting extradition in the estimated £1.3bn Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case. He appeared at the Westminster Magistrates Court via video link from Wandsworth Prison in his grey track suit with a face full of beard.
District Judge Samuel Goozee heard the defence team's arguments against the admissibility of evidence that were provided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) to establish a case against Mr Modi.
He however ruled that the evidence submitted by the Indian authorities against Nirav Modi is ‘broadly’ admissible. He also said that he was "bound" by the previous extradition court rulings for Vijay Mallya. But how much weight some of these evidences- divided into 8 categories will carry, will be decided later.
Judge Goozee has adjourned the case till 7-8 January 2021, when he will hear the final submissions. On 1 December Mr Modi will appear for his usual remand hearing.
Judge’s ruling would determine whether the case can be sent to Home Secretary Priti Patel to order Mr Modi's extradition to India. This is expected by next year, possibly a few weeks after the final hearing, unless he appeals in a higher court.
In the meantime Mr Modi remains in prison. He tried for bail last month on new grounds, which was denied for the seventh time.
