Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who has been imprisoned for over six years, has informed a UK court that “sensational developments” are anticipated in his extradition case from India. The case, which involves fraud and money laundering charges, is scheduled for a hearing in London next month.
The 54-year-old appeared before High Court Judge Simon Tinkler at the Royal Courts of Justice on Friday to present his defense in a separate case concerning an unpaid debt of over USD 8 million to the Bank of India. The judge rejected Nirav’s request for a stay on the proceedings, citing technical and medical challenges within the prison. A trial for this debt case is slated for January 2026.
During the pre-trial review, Nirav stated, “There will be some sensational developments, and I have never used these words before.” He expressed significant hope for his discharge or bail, following the court’s agreement to consider new evidence, despite the stringent criteria for admitting such information.
The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that Nirav has applied to reopen his extradition appeal, with Indian authorities submitting their response in anticipation of a hearing expected by the end of November.
Representing himself as a “Litigant in Person,” Nirav presented handwritten notes to the judge. While guarded by officers, he described difficulties with his eyesight and delays in accessing a computer, arguing these issues would make any trial unfair. He expressed frustration with the process, suggesting a need for basic common sense given his prison conditions.
Bank of India, represented by legal counsel, is pursuing Nirav’s personal guarantee related to a loan for a Dubai-based company. They argued that a stay would prejudice the bank by indefinitely delaying the resolution of a long-standing claim.
Justice Tinkler ruled that maintaining the court’s schedule takes precedence, and all necessary measures for a fair trial have been taken. The judge acknowledged that Nirav’s medical conditions might affect his ability to participate fully in the trial, but believed the scheduled seven-day trial in January would allow for necessary adjustments.
Prison authorities have indicated that a computer will be provided to Nirav within a week, with hard copies of all documents to be sent to him before another pre-trial hearing in early December. Nirav’s personal court appearance followed a specific court order, and he was subsequently transferred to HMP Pentonville prison in north London, expressing apprehension about the move and requesting a single occupancy cell.
Nirav Modi has been incarcerated in London since his arrest in March 2019 and has had multiple bail requests denied due to his flight risk. India has three sets of criminal proceedings against him, related to the PNB fraud, money laundering, and alleged interference with evidence and witnesses. His extradition to India was ordered in April 2021, and he has since exhausted most legal avenues to contest this order, until his recent successful application to reopen his appeal.