CBI obtains non-bailable warrant against Mallya, to seek his extradition

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has obtained a non- bailable warrant (NBW) against liquor baron Vijay Mallya from a Mumbai court in connection with the bank loan default case.

The CBI will now communicate/forward the NBW to the authorities concerned in the United Kingdom seeking Mallya's extradition.

Hearing a plea filed by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for recovery of more than Rs 6,000 crore from him, the Supreme Court had earlier on October 25 directed Mallya to file a detailed affidavit about his assets within a month and fixed November 24 as the next date of hearing.

The top court division bench passed the order after hearing a detailed argument from Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi and Mallya's lawyer Vaidyanathan.

The consortium of banks had approached the apex court seeking its intervention in bringing back Mallya to India and also repayment of money which the beleaguered businessman had taken.

The top court also asked the Union Government about his whereabouts, to which the Attorney General informed the apex court that Mallya was in England.

The banks, in their plea, told the apex court that there was an outstanding loan of almost Rs. 9,000 crores against the businessman.

The banks have argued that the business tycoon has not been candid with the court regarding his assets, citing the failure to disclose the severance package he received from Diageo Plc as part of his exit from United Spirits Ltd.

On April 26, the Supreme Court had directed Mallya to disclose his assets to the consortium. The banks also said the disclosures made by Mallya on his Indian and overseas properties were "vague".

The banks also refuted Mallya's allegation that all 17 banks did not reject the three proposals made by him for repayment of over Rs. 9,000 odd crores in installments.

On November 4, the Patiala House Court had issued an NBW against Mallya for evading summons in connection with a FERA violation matter.

According to the court, Mallya has shown scant regard for the law of the land and has no intention of returning to India.

In August, the court asked Mallya to be present in the court on November 4. It also asked the Ministry of External Affairs to send a non-bailable warrant to Mallya in London where he is currently staying.