The Westminster Magistrates' Court found the evidence against Modi prima facie sufficient to order his extradition to face charges in India.
Mr. Modi had fled to the U.K. along with his family members in 2018, and on the Indian government's request, he was arrested in 2019 and had been in judicial custody since then.
On Jan. 8, 2021, the Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the arguments from both sides on the applicability of Section 91 of the U.K.'s Extradition Act in Nirav Modi's case. On Feb. 25, 2021, the Court delivered a verdict indicating that the evidence against Nirav Modi was prima facie sufficient to issue his extradition to India for facing the charges. The Court also upheld the assurances of the Indian government and rejected the claims by the defense regarding human rights violations, fair trial, and prison conditions.
According to the U.K. extradition process, the request would be sent to the Secretary of State for the United Kingdom's Home Department to make the final decision on the extradition order. The Secretary of State can decide within two months or seek a further extension from the High Court. Challenging the Secretary of State's decision in the High Court would only be possible with the High Court's permission. Furthermore, in case of the absence of an appeal, a requested person should "be extradited within 28 days of the Secretary of State's decision to order extradition", as per the U.K.'s Home Office.
Although the U.K. court has approved the extradition process, the final call is yet to be taken by the Secretary of State.
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