Vijay Mallya Tells Bombay High Court He Cannot Return to India Due to UK Restrictions

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has informed the Bombay High Court that he cannot provide a timeline for returning to India because his passport has been revoked and court orders in the United Kingdom prohibit him from leaving England and Wales.

The submission was made through his counsel in response to the court’s directive seeking clarity on whether he intends to return to face trial while pursuing legal challenges in India.

Travel Restrictions Cited in Court Submission

According to the statement presented before the bench headed by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad, Mallya is not permitted to leave England and Wales or apply for international travel documents due to orders issued by UK courts.

The statement added that, given these restrictions, he is unable to specify when he might return to India.

His counsel argued that his physical presence in India is not required for the High Court to hear petitions challenging his status as a fugitive economic offender and the validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.

Background: Loan Default and Fugitive Economic Offender Status

Mallya left India in March 2016 amid allegations of defaulting on loans worth several thousand crores owed to a consortium of Indian banks.

In January 2019, a special court hearing cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) declared him a Fugitive Economic Offender. Following this declaration, extradition proceedings were initiated to bring him back to India.

The designation allows authorities to confiscate properties and assets linked to individuals accused of economic offences who evade legal proceedings.

Centre Opposes Relief Plea

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, opposed Mallya’s plea. He argued that the High Court’s writ jurisdiction is discretionary and equitable in nature.

He submitted that an individual who does not comply with the law should not be granted discretionary relief by the court.

Court Directs Filing of Affidavit

After hearing arguments from both sides, the bench directed that Mallya’s informal statement be submitted as a formal affidavit. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing next month.

Ongoing Legal and Extradition Proceedings

Extradition proceedings against Mallya have been ongoing in the United Kingdom for several years. His legal challenges in India continue alongside efforts by authorities to recover outstanding dues and pursue criminal cases.

The case remains one of India’s most high-profile financial fraud matters, highlighting issues related to cross-border legal processes, economic offences, and enforcement mechanisms.