Vijay Mallya Tells Bombay High Court He Cannot Specify Return Date to India

Mumbai: Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, who is facing multiple cases related to fraud and money laundering, has informed the Bombay High Court that he cannot specify when he will return to India.

He stated that he is legally restricted from leaving the United Kingdom and therefore cannot confirm any travel plans. Through his counsel Amit Desai, Mallya submitted that he currently does not possess a valid passport, as it has been revoked. “Without a passport, I cannot indicate a specific date for returning to India,” the submission said.

Last week, a bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Gautam Ankhad had observed that it would not hear Mallya’s plea challenging his designation as a Fugitive Economic Offender unless he returns to India.

The court had also directed him to clarify whether he intends to come back to face proceedings. Mallya, who has been residing in the UK since 2016, has filed two petitions before the High Court challenging the order declaring him a fugitive economic offender and questioning the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

In January 2019, a special court dealing with cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) declared him a fugitive economic offender. The 70-year-old liquor baron is accused of defaulting on loans worth thousands of crores of rupees taken from a consortium of Indian banks. He also faces charges under anti-money laundering laws.

During the hearing, Desai argued that Mallya’s personal presence was not mandatory for the adjudication of the petitions. He further submitted that his client is subject to legal restrictions in the UK, which prevent him from travelling outside the country.

The High Court has directed the Central government to file its response to Mallya’s latest submission. The matter has been adjourned to next month for further hearing.

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