UK-based businessman Vijay Mallya informed the Bombay High Court that he cannot specify his return to India due to restrictions imposed by English courts. The court heard two petitions filed by Mallya, challenging his designation as a “Fugitive Economic Offender” and contesting a court order declaring him a fugitive.
Senior advocate Amit Desai, representing Mallya, mentioned Supreme Court judgments where writ petitions were heard even in the absence of petitioners. He stated that extradition proceedings against Mallya are ongoing in the UK, but his client is unable to leave English jurisdiction due to court orders.
The Chief Justice questioned Mallya’s intent to appear before the court, noting his reliance on UK court orders without clarifying if those orders were challenged. The Bench emphasized that such reliance cannot serve as a blanket justification. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was directed to respond to Mallya’s affidavit, while Desai was asked to submit a detailed affidavit for the Union of India to respond accordingly.
Granting three weeks for further proceedings, the Bench highlighted that the petitions have been pending since 2019, with no apparent sincere efforts for early disposal. The matter is set for a hearing on March 11. According to the Finance Ministry, Mallya, former promoter of Kingfisher Airlines, is among 15 individuals declared Fugitive Economic Offenders, allegedly causing significant losses to Indian banks.
The Enforcement Directorate informed the court that Mallya disputed banks’ claims and attempted to convert money laundering proceedings into recovery litigation. The agency argued that he challenged the Fugitive Economic Offender declaration only after being declared a fugitive and when extradition proceedings in London were at an advanced stage.
