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Mallya's Plea Falters: Court Demands Return to India
4 Dec
Summary
- Bombay High Court questions maintainability of Mallya's plea.
- Court demands assurance of Mallya's return to India.
- ED seeks dismissal, citing over Rs 6,200 crore fraud.
The Bombay High Court has expressed significant reservations regarding the maintainability of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya's petition challenging the Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) Act. The court stated it would only consider the plea once Mallya's legal counsel provides a definitive timeline for his return to India, noting the absence of any stay on the ongoing legal processes. This development occurred as Mallya's counsel confirmed his current location in London.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a reply advocating for the dismissal of Mallya's plea. The agency alleges his complicity in a bank fraud amounting to over Rs 6,200 crore, with an outstanding debt nearing Rs 15,000 crore. The ED argues against allowing a fugitive economic offender to challenge the FEO Act's validity while evading Indian judicial processes.
Mallya's challenge to specific sections of the FEO Act, including provisions related to property confiscation and restoration, was also countered by the ED. The agency asserted that restoration of confiscated properties is contingent upon Mallya's return to India and acquittal of scheduled offenses, urging the High Court to uphold the FEO declaration and asset attachment.
