Winding-up plea against Mallya's UBHL in HC: Judge recuses

Karnataka High Court Judge Anand Byrareddy today recused himself from hearing a winding-up petition filed by corporate banker BNP Paribas against liquor baron Vijay Mallya's United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL).
When the petition came up before Justice Byrareddy, he recused himself from hearing the case by saying his son was employed in a legal firm, which has been engaged by one of Mallya's affiliates.
Though Paribas had no objection to Justice Byrareddy hearing the case, the judge said objections may crop up in later stages of the proceedings.
BNP Paribas had filed the winding-up petition on defaults by now grounded Kingfisher Airlines promoted by UBHL over unpaid dues of Rs 146 crore (now close to Rs 200 crore).

Certain companies, including BNP Paribas, which are creditors to UBHL, had filed petitions in the High Court seeking its winding up as the holding company was unable to pay its debts amounting to nearly Rs 600 crore.