“Maiank Mehta, Nirav Modi’s Brother-in-Law, Turns Approver in ₹13,000 Crore PNB Scam”

Maiank Mehta Granted Pardon in ₹13,000 Crore PNB Scam, Turns Approver.

A special CBI court has pardoned Maiank Mehta, brother-in-law of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, in the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, after accepting his plea to turn approver.

Court’s Decision

Special CBI judge A.V. Gujarathi, while allowing Mehta’s application under Sections 343 and 344 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), observed that there was “nothing on record not to grant the tender of pardon.” The pardon, however, applies only in Mehta’s individual capacity.

The court also directed the prosecution to facilitate Mehta’s presence in India — even though he currently resides abroad — so that he can participate in proceedings.

Defence Arguments

Senior advocate Amit Desai, along with Manavendra Mishra, highlighted that Mehta had already received a pardon in January 2021 in the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) money-laundering case against Nirav Modi. Both Maiank and his wife Purvi Mehta — Nirav’s sister — were made approvers in that case after offering full disclosure.

Desai told the court that Mehta, a British citizen and long-time Hong Kong resident, voluntarily returned to India in September 2021 and has since cooperated with investigative agencies. He has also assisted in attaching and confiscating Nirav Modi’s assets for the Indian government.

“During investigation, Maiank was arraigned as an accused but has co-operated throughout. He is ready to make full and true disclosure of the circumstances within his knowledge,” Desai argued.

CBI’s No Objection

The CBI raised no objection to Mehta turning approver, noting his earlier status in the ED case. The agency agreed to extend pardon on the condition that he provide “full and true disclosure” of Nirav Modi’s role and the larger conspiracy behind the scam.

Background and Legal Journey

The development marks a shift in the CBI’s position. Earlier, the agency had resisted Mehta’s plea for relief, accusing him of receiving tainted funds routed through Nirav Modi’s shell companies and of evading disclosure during multiple summons.

It was only after the Bombay High Court granted interim protection from arrest in 2022 that Mehta avoided custody. Over the years, the CBI repeatedly alleged he was withholding information critical to the case.

With the court’s latest order, however, Mehta’s testimony is set to become part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the wider conspiracy behind India’s biggest banking fraud.