High Court Rejects Modi's Delay Tactic in Loan Case

The High Court in London has denied fugitive diamond merchant Nirav Modi's plea to delay an upcoming trial concerning an $8 million Bank of India loan. Modi, appearing via videolink from HMP Pentonville, claimed severe vision loss, clinical depression, and prison constraints hindered his defense. Judge Simon Tinkler found no substantial disadvantage, viewing the application as part of a "repeated pattern of delay" by Modi.

Modi's legal team argued "prejudice" due to limited access to documents since his prison transfer. They detailed his 60% vision loss and depression impacting concentration. The judge cautioned against further applications without changed circumstances, labeling them potential abuses of the court process and calling prison service actions "wholly unsatisfactory."

Modi is currently imprisoned in London, awaiting extradition to India for a significant $2 billion fraud and money laundering case. He has lost multiple appeals and bail attempts since his extradition warrant was executed in March 2019. In December last year, his attempt to reopen the extradition case on grounds of potential torture in India was adjourned after Indian authorities provided assurances.

India is pursuing three sets of criminal proceedings against Modi, including a Central Bureau of Investigation case for PNB fraud and an Enforcement Directorate case for alleged laundering. In April 2021, the UK home secretary ordered his extradition following the establishment of a prima facie case against him.