UK Court Rejects Nirav Modi Plea to Delay Trial, March 23 Hearing Set in Bank of India Case

A London High Court has rejected fugitive businessman Nirav Modi’s request to postpone his upcoming trial, clearing the way for proceedings in the Bank of India unpaid loan case to begin on March 23. The court ruled that despite claims of vision loss, clinical depression, and prison-related challenges, there was no substantial disadvantage that justified delaying the hearing.

Nirav Modi, currently held at HMP Pentonville prison, appeared via video link during a pre-trial review. The judge observed that while imprisonment may present practical difficulties, such circumstances are common for many litigants and do not automatically warrant adjournment. The court further noted that the trial had already been awaited for several years and additional delays were not justified.

During the hearing, Modi’s legal representation argued that limited access to documents following his transfer between prisons, combined with reported health issues, affected his ability to prepare an effective defence. Claims were made that significant vision impairment and mental health concerns reduced his ability to concentrate for extended periods. However, the court concluded that these factors did not create an imbalance in the adversarial process.

The judge also expressed concern over what was described as a pattern of repeated applications that risked slowing down the case. The ruling highlighted that last-minute requests without substantial changes in circumstances could be viewed as misuse of court procedures. At the same time, the court criticised administrative delays linked to prison transfers, stating that paperwork issues had caused unnecessary complications.

The legal dispute centres around an alleged personal guarantee tied to a loan issued to a Dubai-based company linked to Modi’s business interests. Attempts by the defendant to introduce new arguments challenging the existence of this guarantee at a late stage were dismissed, with the court emphasising the need for procedural clarity.

Nirav Modi has chosen to represent himself during the upcoming eight-day trial and is expected to be the primary factual witness, alongside expert testimony related to Indian legal aspects of the case. The proceedings are separate from the high-profile extradition battle linked to fraud and money laundering allegations in India.

Since his arrest in London in 2019, Modi has remained in custody while contesting extradition. Multiple appeals and bail applications have been unsuccessful. Recent legal efforts have included arguments related to prison conditions and potential risks upon return to India, though these issues remain subject to ongoing legal examination.

The latest decision reinforces the UK court’s stance that the trial should proceed without further postponement, marking another significant development in the long-running legal saga involving one of India’s most prominent financial fraud cases.