Getting Lalit Modi Back

It is heartening to learn that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), has sent documents relating to former IPL chief Lalit Modi, being probed for alleged money laundering in conduct of the T-20 cricket tourment, to Interpol for issuance of a red corner notice against him. This move followed the recent issuance of a non-bailable warrant against Lalit Modi by a Mumbai court. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been obliged to seek the help of Interpol since all domestic legal options available to it for serving its summons to Lalit Modi issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act had failed. Since the CBI is the nodal agency for Interpol-related affairs in India, the ED has had to enlist its help for the issuance of a red corner notice to him by Interpol. One only hopes that this move will not be confined to a stray ritual, after which initiatives to get him back to India for trial are given up. Lalit Modi must be brought back to the country not only in the interests of justice, but also to undo what Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had done to protect a crimil.