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Lalit Modi gets British citizenship, extradition prospects take a hit

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The change in legal status eliminates straightforward deportation options for Indian authorities seeking Lalit Modi over cricket financial irregularities. Despite this hurdle, government officials plan to continue legal proceedings against the 62-year-old under formal bilateral extradition agreements. His relocation to Britain initially began more than a decade ago amid escalating allegations of financial manipulation and domestic tax evasion. Investigators specifically claim he manipulated the allocation of 2009 IPL broadcast rights to secure an illicit kickback exceeding Rs 125 crore.

Key points

  • Acquisition of British citizenship officially ends any prospects of Indian authorities de…: Acquisition of British citizenship officially ends any prospects of Indian authorities deporting Lalit Modi through standard administrative measures.
  • Indian authorities still retain the option to seek his return through the formal 1992 Ind…: Indian authorities still retain the option to seek his return through the formal 1992 India-UK extradition treaty.
  • British nationals have previously faced successful extradition to India, demonstrating th…: British nationals have previously faced successful extradition to India, demonstrating that legal trials remain possible despite United Kingdom citizenship.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

NEW DELHI: IPL founder Lalit Modi, who left India in 2010 amid allegations of tax evasion, money laundering and proxy ownership linked to IPL, has announced he has received British citizenship, reports Rajshekhar Jha.Lalit was appearing at an event at Oxford Union when he made the announcement.Sources said while the citizenship doesn't grant him legal immunity or formally stop his extradition under the 1992 India-UK treaty, it might have diminished, if not eliminated, the chances of his return. Efforts to bring him back will continue, sources said. Receiving UK nationality also closes the door on potential moves like deportation, leaving formal extradition as India's sole legal route. UK citizens who were brought to India to face trial include AgustaWestland scam accused Christian Michel and bookie Sanjeev Chawla.

In ’12, UK cited local laws to reject India’s plea for Lalit’s deportation

In a post on X on Saturday, the 62-year-old revealed that he celebrated his citizenship with family and friends at a special ceremony on September 15. Calling the UK his long-time home, he expressed deep admiration for Britain's people, institutions,…

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