Ex-SC Judge Gives Evidence Supporting Nirav Modi In United Kingdom

Former Supreme Court Judge Deepak Verma gave evidence in favour of fugitive Nirav Modi in the United Kingdom Supreme Court supporting his appeal against extradition to India.

As reported by the Times of India, Justice Verma deposed that Modi is likely to be interrogated by CBI, ED and other investigating agencies if extradited to India. Modi has opposed extradition to India by raising the apprehension of torture if interrogated by the agencies in India. Justice Verma reportedly said that the sovereign assurance given by the Indian government that Modi won't be interrogated by CBI & ED will not bind the Courts in India. The counsel representing the Indian Government questioned Justice Verma's expertise. The Court reserved judgment after the hearing.

In 2021, former Supreme Court Judge Markandeya Katju had deposed before the Westminster Magistrate's Court in support of Nirav Modi, saying that the chances for a fair trial in India were less. However, the UK Court discarded Justice Katju's opinion as not objective and reliable, and observed that his opinion against the Indian judiciary "appeared tinged with resentment towards former senior judicial colleagues" and "had hallmarks of an outspoken critic with his own personal agenda". Former Bombay High Court Judge Abhay Thipsay had also given evidence in support of Modi in the same proceedings, which was ultimately rejected by the Court.