US Supreme Court Approves Extradition of 26/11 Convict Tahawwur Rana to India

The US Supreme Court has taken a significant step in the fight against terrorism by approving the extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack convict Tahawwur Rana to India. This ruling came after the court dismissed Rana’s review petition, marking the end of his legal options to avoid extradition.

India has long sought Rana’s extradition due to his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, which claimed the lives of over 160 people and shocked the world. A Canadian national of Pakistani origin, Rana has been embroiled in legal battles across several US federal courts, including the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco.

On November 13, 2024, Rana filed a "petition for a writ of certiorari," essentially a last-ditch effort to have the US Supreme Court review his case. However, on January 21, 2025, the court firmly rejected the petition with a simple but decisive statement: “Petition DENIED.”

This verdict closes the chapter on Rana's attempts to block his extradition and paves the way for him to face justice in India.

Rana, currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles, had earlier lost multiple legal appeals to prevent his extradition. His case attracted significant attention due to his connection to David Coleman Headley, the key planner of the 26/11 attacks.

The US government, represented by Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, had urged the Supreme Court to deny Rana’s petition, highlighting the strong case for extradition under existing legal frameworks.

With all legal hurdles cleared, India is now set to proceed with Rana’s extradition. Once transferred, he will face charges related to his alleged role in facilitating the attacks that devastated Mumbai and left an indelible mark on global counterterrorism efforts.

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and delivering justice to victims. Rana’s extradition not only reaffirms India’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable but also sends a strong message about the global resolve to counteract terror networks.