Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has moved the UK High Court in a last-ditch bid to stall his extradition to India, arguing that fresh developments and the risk of ill-treatment in Indian custody warrant a reconsideration of his case.
The two-day hearing on the application concluded on Tuesday, with the court reserving its judgment.
Modi's lawyer, Edward Fitzgerald, argued that there remains a risk of his client being moved out of Mumbai's Arthur Road jail and subjected to coercive interrogation.
He questioned the reliability of sovereign assurances offered by Indian authorities, saying they cannot be taken at face value.
Responding to this, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith asked whether any such conduct would amount to a breach of India's sovereign assurances.
The Government of India strongly opposed reopening the case, calling the application both delayed and without merit.
Indian authorities have assured that Modi will not be interrogated by CBI or Enforcement Directorate, stressing that investigations are complete and charges have been filed.
They also cited safeguards including legal access, medical care, and monitored detention.
