European Court rejects Nirav Modi appeal, extradition looms

Fugitive diamond businessman Nirav Modi has exhausted his final legal avenue to avoid extradition, clearing the way for his transfer from the United Kingdom to India to face prosecution. The European Court of Human Rights has rejected his application, diplomatic and investigative sources confirmed, removing the last judicial obstacle in a years-long battle.

Modi, who has been held in London's Wandsworth Prison since his arrest in March 2019, is wanted by Indian authorities in connection with the alleged Punjab National Bank fraud and related money laundering cases. His latest bid for relief was filed with the Strasbourg-based court in April 2026 after he exhausted all legal options in the UK. The court, which granted anonymity to the proceedings, has now declined to grant interim protection, effectively concluding the judicial phase of his case.

The decision follows a major legal setback for Modi in March, when the High Court of Justice in London refused his application to reopen his extradition appeal. His legal team had argued that his extradition would expose him to a real risk of treatment contrary to human rights protections, citing concerns over prison conditions and...