AAI cheque bounce case: Mumbai court issues NBW against Mallya

In more trouble for beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya, a Mumbai court today issued a non bailable warrant (NBW) against him in a cheque bounce case filed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
On May 7, Magistrate A A Laulkar had directed Mallya to appear before the court today, failing which it will issue a NBW.
The NBW was issued following Mallya's non appearance before the metropolitan court in suburban Andheri. The lawyer representing Mallya said he cannot come to India as his passport has been revoked and contended that the case can be heard in his absence. The court, however, rejected his request.

The court was hearing applications filed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) against M/s. Kingfisher Airlines in connection with two cheques of total Rs 100 crore, which were dishonoured.
The two applications filed by AAI sought cancellation of permanent exemption from court appearance granted to Mallya, who has since left the country amid an outcry over his airline defaulting on repayment of over Rs 9,000 crore to the banks, and sought an arrest warrant against him.
Earlier, AAI's lawyer had argued in court that in view of cancellation of Mallya's passport, his lawyer may not be able to produce him in the court if the court orders so.

Mallya faces several NBWs including four issued by a Hyderabad court after he failed to appear before it in connection with alleged dishonour of cheques amounting to Rs 2 crore to GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.