Lalit Modi News / Vanuatu's PM ordered cancellation of Lalit Modi's passport - a big blow

Lalit Modi News: Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has suffered a major setback. Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has directed the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Lalit Modi. The order came after information came to light recently that Lalit Modi has acquired citizenship of the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.

PM Jotham Napat's order

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat clearly stated in his order, "I have directed the Citizenship Commission to immediately initiate proceedings to cancel Mr. Modi's Vanuatu passport."

The order also stated that all standard background checks, including Interpol screening, during Lalit Modi's application revealed no criminal convictions. However, the Prime Minister also mentioned that he learned in the last 24 hours that Interpol had twice rejected Indian authorities' requests to issue an alert notice on Lalit Modi due to lack of sufficient judicial evidence.

Holding a passport is a privilege, not a right

PM Jotham Napat further said, "Holding a Vanuatu passport is a privilege, not a right, and applicants must seek citizenship for legitimate reasons. None of these legitimate reasons include attempting to avoid extradition, which the facts that have recently come to light clearly indicate was Lalit Modi's intention."

Left India in 2010

Lalit Modi left India in 2010 and is believed to be currently living in London. He has been on the wanted list of Indian law enforcement agencies since he was accused of embezzling crores of rupees during his tenure in the IPL.

Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat directs the Citizenship Commission to cancel the Vanuatu passport issued to Lalit Modi. pic.twitter.com/Ogqgqv5JZj

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 10, 2025