Lalit Modi to Return to India by Early Next Year

Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has announced plans to return to India by the end of this year or early next year after receiving a favourable ruling from the Appellate Tribunal under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act (SAFEMA). The tribunal set aside most of the Enforcement Directorate's findings and penalties in connection with the 2009 IPL South Africa Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) case, marking a significant development in a legal battle that has continued for more than 16 years. Lalit Modi has been living abroad since leaving India in 2010 amid allegations of financial irregularities related to the IPL.

Reacting to the verdict through a video message, Modi described the ruling as the culmination of a prolonged legal struggle and said it had vindicated his long-standing position. He stated that he had consistently maintained his actions were driven by the objective of safeguarding the IPL and expressed satisfaction that the tribunal had ruled in his favour. Calling the judgment a turning point, Modi said he now considers that chapter of his life closed and intends to move forward.

Speaking about his future plans, Modi said he expects to return to India either towards the end of 2026 or in the early months of 2027. He also cited personal reasons for the timing of his return, noting that his daughter is expecting a child in October and that he hopes to spend time with his growing family before travelling back to India. His announcement comes more than 14 years after he left the country, during which he remained at the centre of multiple investigations and legal proceedings.

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The tribunal's ruling is expected to have legal and public significance, although it does not automatically conclude all matters relating to Lalit Modi. The Enforcement Directorate's action in the 2009 IPL South Africa case had centred on alleged violations of FEMA provisions during the tournament's relocation to South Africa. While the latest decision has provided relief to Modi in that case, authorities may determine whether any further legal steps are required. His proposed return is likely to attract considerable public and legal attention given his prominent role in establishing the IPL and the controversies that followed his departure from India.

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