Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s strong message at the CBI’s conference on “Extradition of Fugitives – Challenges and Strategies” comes at a time when India faces a growing challenge of bringing back offenders who have escaped the country’s legal system. His call for a zero-tolerance approach towards economic offenders, cyber criminals, and those involved in terrorism or organised crime underscores a crucial national priority – ensuring that no one evades justice merely by crossing borders. India today faces a troubling reality: hundreds of fugitives wanted for crimes ranging from terrorism, subversion, money laundering, and bank fraud to heinous offences like murder continue to live freely in foreign countries. Many of them have built luxurious lives abroad using the proceeds of crime, often flaunting their impunity while Indian agencies struggle with protracted legal processes. Despite the Government’s sustained diplomatic and legal efforts, extradition remains an uphill battle – often stretched over years.
The problem lies not in India’s intent or preparation, but in the complexities of international law and the loopholes that fugitives cleverly exploit. The most common ploys used to avoid extradition are twofold: first, the claim of false implication, and second, the allegation that Indian prisons do not meet humane standards. Unfortunately, many foreign courts tend to take these arguments seriously, delaying or denying extradition requests. These excuses mock the Indian judicial process and weaken global cooperation against organised crime and terrorism.
Recognising this challenge, the Indian Government has taken several progressive steps to strengthen the legal framework. One of the most significant reforms came with the implementation of new criminal laws in July 2024, which, for the first time since Independence, allow trial in absentia. Under this provision, if a fugitive refuses to appear before an Indian court, the trial can still proceed, and the accused can be convicted even in their absence. This change has far-reaching implications under international law: once a person is declared a convicted criminal, it becomes considerably easier to seek their extradition, as many countries are legally bound to hand over convicted offenders. It sends a strong message that fleeing the country will no longer mean freedom from accountability.
The Home Minister also rightly emphasised the need for every state to set up international-standard prison cells. This step is not just administrative but strategic – it directly counters one of the major excuses cited in foreign courts to block extradition: alleged poor jail conditions. If India can demonstrate compliance with global detention standards, this argument will lose legal weight, strengthening the country’s position in international tribunals.
The CBI’s establishment of a Global Operations Centre and initiatives like Bharatpol, an online portal for international police coordination, show that the agency is adopting modern tools for real-time collaboration with global law enforcement. The results are already visible. Between January and September 2025, the CBI issued 189 Red Notices through Interpol – the highest ever in its history. The Government’s enactment of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, has empowered authorities to confiscate the properties of those who flee after committing major financial crimes. The figures of bank account seizures and confiscation of properties highlight a proactive and determined approach towards holding offenders accountable, even beyond national borders.
However, the task remains immense. Many high-profile fugitives, including those involved in multi-crore bank frauds, continue to exploit the slow pace of international justice. The message must be clear: there can be no safe haven for those who loot India and seek refuge abroad. The conviction and punishment of such offenders are not only essential for justice but also for deterrence. HM’s call for a “ruthless approach” is therefore both timely and necessary. In an interconnected world where crime transcends borders, India’s pursuit of fugitives must be equally borderless, relentless, and backed by a robust legal framework. Establishing international-standard prisons, strengthening coordination with CBI, and enforcing tougher extradition strategies are indispensable steps. The ultimate objective must remain firm-to ensure that every offender who betrays India’s laws and people is brought back to face justice, no matter where they hide.
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