The Ministry of External Affairs has refused to share details on extradition of fugitive businessmen Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi, citing a Right to Information clause that bars disclosure of information which would "impede the process of prosecution of offenders". In a reply to an RTI query, the MEA said requests for extradition of Mallya and Modi have been sent to the UK government.
"They are under the consideration of the concerned UK authorities. Copy of communications in this regard may not be provided under Section 8 (1) (H) of Right to Information (RTI) Act," the ministry said in response to an RTI application.
The section bars disclosure of "information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders".
Embattled liquor baron Mallya is out on bail in the UK. The former Kingfisher Airlines' boss is wanted in India to face charges of bank fraud and money laundering amounting to Rs 9,000 crore.
India's request for Vijay Mallya's extradition was approved by UK home secretary in February. He has appealed against his extradition order, a hearing for which is now scheduled in the UK High Court on July 2.
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi is also contesting extradition proceedings in London. He has been denied bail for the third time in his extradition case to India to face charges in the $2 billion PNB fraud . He will continue to be lodged in a London jail described by his lawyers as "unliveable".
Indian investigating agencies—the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate—are looking into these high profile corruption cases.
In a reply to another RTI query, the MEA said 132 extradition requests were forwarded to foreign governments in the last four years.
"Details may not be provided under Section 8 (1) (H) of RTI Act," it said, when asked to provide details of offenders and copy of communications to the foreign governments.
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