The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the Citizenship Commission to revoke the Vanuatu passport of Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman, after India’s request for an Interpol alert against him was rejected due to lack of sufficient evidence.
In a strong statement, PM Napat emphasized that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must provide legitimate reasons for acquiring citizenship. He stated that background checks initially showed no criminal convictions against Modi, but he was recently informed that Interpol twice rejected India’s request for an alert due to a lack of substantive judicial evidence.
India has long sought Lalit Modi’s extradition on allegations related to financial irregularities and money laundering during his tenure as IPL commissioner. However, Vanuatu authorities had earlier granted him citizenship under their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, a scheme that allows foreigners to acquire a Vanuatu passport in exchange for significant investments.
The Interpol alert rejection appears to have played a decisive role in Vanuatu’s decision to cancel Modi’s passport. The Citizenship Commission is now expected to begin immediate revocation proceedings, following direct orders from the Prime Minister.
Lalit Modi has been living in self-imposed exile in London since 2010, following allegations of financial misconduct, tax evasion, and money laundering in India. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been pursuing cases against him, but extradition attempts have faced challenges due to legal complexities and the lack of an Interpol Red Corner Notice.
With Vanuatu canceling his passport, Modi may face increased legal hurdles as he navigates his status as an overseas citizen. It remains to be seen whether other nations, including the United Kingdom, will reconsider his residency status in light of this development.
The move by Vanuatu is seen as a diplomatic setback for Modi and a moral victory for India.
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