Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu passport has been revoked following allegations of seeking citizenship to escape legal troubles. Vanuatu’s Prime Minister clarified that citizenship is a privilege and not a right, stressing that evasion of legal accountability is not an acceptable reason. Modi has also applied to surrender his Indian passport, as Indian authorities continue efforts to extradite him based on financial misconduct charges.
Lalit Modi, a prominent figure facing legal challenges in India, has encountered further complications as Vanuatu has canceled his passport. The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Bob Loughman Napat, stated that citizenship is a privilege necessitating valid reasons for application, specifically ruling out intentions to escape legal proceedings. He emphasized that Modi’s objective to avoid extradition was contrary to accepted reasons for citizenship.
In a related development, Lalit Modi has applied to surrender his Indian passport at the Indian High Commission in London following his acquisition of Vanuatu citizenship. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India indicated that his surrender request would undergo assessment per existing guidelines and reiterated their commitment to pursuing his case under legal protocols. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding his legal status.
Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), faces various legal accusations of financial misconduct in India. The Indian government has actively sought his extradition from the UK. However, attempts to secure an Interpol Red Notice were unsuccessful due to insufficient judicial evidence. The cancellation of Modi’s Vanuatu passport may limit his safe havens and complicate his legal pursuits moving forward. The impact of Vanuatu’s decision on India’s extradition efforts remains to be seen.
In summary, Lalit Modi’s legal challenges have escalated with Vanuatu’s decision to annul his passport. Prime Minister Bob Napat underscored that citizenship in Vanuatu is not guaranteed and emphasized the importance of legitimate motives, which do not include avoiding legal repercussions. Additionally, Modi’s attempt to relinquish his Indian passport amidst ongoing legal issues raises questions about his future and potential extradition to India.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
