The High Court of Justice in London on Wednesday refused to reopen the extradition case of Nirav Modi. As a result, this decision likely ends his legal options in the United Kingdom. It also clears the way for his return to India after more than seven years in custody.

India’s Assurances Prove Decisive

The court relied on assurances from the Indian government. India submitted these in September 2025, December 2025, and again in February 2026 through its High Commission in London.

Specifically, India assured the court that no agency would interrogate Modi. Therefore, the court said it might have reopened the case without these guarantees.

Meanwhile, Modi cited the case of Sanjay Bhandari. A UK court had earlier blocked Bhandari’s extradition on human rights grounds. He argued that he faced a similar risk of torture.

Judges Accept India’s Position

The bench led by Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Robert Jay accepted India’s assurances. The judges said the promises were “specific and not general and vague.”

Moreover, a senior official from India’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued these guarantees. This made them binding on the central government, Maharashtra, and all five agencies.

The judges added that the assurances were given “in good faith and with the intention that they should be binding.” They also noted that they were “not been given with an eye to wriggling out of them.”

Court Acknowledges Concerns

However, the court acknowledged concerns raised in the Bhandari case. It described a “worrying picture” of banned interrogation methods. In fact, it called such practices “commonplace and endemic.”

Nevertheless, the court accepted India’s assurances in Modi’s case.

CBI Strengthens Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation has pursued Modi’s extradition since 2018. Its officers travelled to London to assist prosecutors. As a result, the agency said it “successfully overcame” the challenge posed by the Bhandari ruling through “sustained and coordinated efforts.”

Court Weighs Additional Factors

In addition, the court considered strong India-UK relations and the high-profile nature of the case. It also noted earlier assurances that Modi would receive daily access to lawyers and medical care.

Furthermore, the court stated that torture is not allowed under Indian law, even though India has not signed the UN Convention Against Torture. However, it also noted that it would not formally monitor the new assurances.

Parallel Case in London

Separately, Modi appeared in a London court on the same day. The Bank of India filed a plea to enforce a personal guarantee linked to a large loan.

Background of Fraud Case

Modi faces charges of defrauding Punjab National Bank of ₹6,498 crore. Overall, the total fraud amounts to ₹13,578 crore. Around ₹7,000 crore is linked to his uncle Mehul Choksi.

Authorities arrested him in London in March 2019. Scotland Yard made the arrest following India’s request. Earlier, a UK court ordered his extradition in February 2021.

Custody and Asset Recovery

India informed UK authorities that Modi will be lodged at Arthur Road Prison in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, authorities declared him a fugitive economic offender. The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth ₹2,598 crore. So far, officials have returned ₹981 crore to the affected banks.