Vanuatu PM orders cancellation of Lalit Modi’s passport citing 'attempt to evade extradition' not valid reason

The Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, directed the Citizenship Commission of the country to immediately cancel the passport of Lalit Modi, the former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman. This comes after recent media reports highlighting Modi’s presence in Vanuatu, an island in the South Pacific, despite being a fugitive wanted in India.

On March 10, PM Napat issued clear instructions to the Citizenship Commission, stating that Modi’s Vanuatu passport must be revoked without delay, as per reports.

The prime minister emphasised that holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and Modi’s alleged criminal background does not align with the standards of citizenship required in the country.

“I have instructed the Citizenship Commission to begin immediate proceedings to cancel Mr Lalit Modi’s passport,” PM Napat stated. His statement came after it was revealed that Interpol had twice rejected India’s alert notice against Modi due to lack of judicial evidence, further intensifying the controversy surrounding Modi’s citizenship in Vanuatu.

Why Vanuatu?

Lalit Modi, who has been facing allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering in India, reportedly moved to Vanuatu, a small island nation in Oceania, primarily because India does not have an extradition treaty with the country. This means Vanuatu is not legally obligated to extradite Modi to India, allowing him to stay in the country without the fear of being deported.