Judge rejects Nadeem claim

London, Feb 25: The trial for the extradition of Bollywood music director Nadeem reached a crucial turning point today with Nadeem8217;s legal team being forced on the back foot. Magistrate Christopher Pratt ruled against the argument made by Clive Nichols, counsel for Nadeem, that the evidence of six key witnesses was not admissible as evidence in an English court.

Nichols had argued that as per the 1989 Extradition Act, the English translation of the evidence submitted was not admissible since it was not the 8220;original8221; evidence which was given in either Hindi or Marathi. Pratt ruled the evidence was admissible and stressed that the requirements of depositions in English courts and those in Indian courts were 8220;no different.8221; He added that, in fact, the depositions from the Indian court 8220;give more information.8221;