Lalit Modi’s Passport Revoked by Vanuatu Amid Legal Turmoil

Lalit Modi’s passport has been revoked by Vanuatu amid legal controversies. Prime Minister Kalsakau stated that citizenship is a privilege that cannot be used to escape extradition. Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport, while India’s efforts to extradite him face hurdles due to lack of evidence. This revocation may intensify Modi’s legal challenges.

Lalit Modi faces new challenges as Vanuatu revokes his passport following an Interpol controversy. The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Ishmael Kalsakau, emphasized that citizenship is a privilege rather than a right, demanding genuine reasons for citizenship applications, which do not encompass avoiding legal proceedings. Modi’s intentions to evade extradition were highlighted by the Prime Minister, who stated, “None of those legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the recent facts brought to light clearly indicate was Lalit Modi’s intention.”

Concurrently, Modi has sought to surrender his Indian passport at the High Commission in London, following his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has confirmed that it will review his application in accordance with prevailing rules. An MEA spokesperson announced, “We continue to pursue the case against him as required under law,” acknowledging Modi’s citizenship status in Vanuatu.

Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), is embroiled in legal issues concerning alleged financial irregularities in India. Indian authorities have been making efforts to extradite him from the UK, but previous attempts to issue an Interpol Red Notice were unsuccessful due to insufficient judicial evidence. With Vanuatu’s decision to cancel his passport, Modi’s options for seeking refuge are likely to decrease, potentially strengthening India’s case to repatriate him, although the outcome remains uncertain.

In summary, the revocation of Lalit Modi’s passport by Vanuatu signifies a pivotal moment in his ongoing legal troubles. The Vanuatu Prime Minister’s declaration reinforces that citizenship is not a shield for those attempting to evade legal accountability. As Modi navigates his attempt to surrender his Indian passport amid these developments, the framework for his potential extradition to India may become more complicated.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com