Vijay Mallya skips SC hearing due to 'secret proceedings' in UK; matter adjourned to Nov 2

A Supreme Court bench heed by Justice Uday Lalit on Monday journed contempt case against fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya till vember 2 after latter failed to appear before it. Mallya, residing in United Kingdom since March 2016, was convicted for contempt of court on May 9, 2017, for t truthfully disclosing his assets and transferring $40 million to his children in violation of SC's order. After his review plea was dismissed on August 31, 2020, apex court directed Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure Mallya's presence during hearing on October 5.

However, Ministry of External Affairs informed SC that re was some delay in beleaguered businessman's extrition despite go-ahe from highest court of UK. According to MEA, some "secret proceedings" have commenced which it was t a party to. This comes amid speculation that Mallya might opt for political asylum, which can delay extrition process. reafter, bench asked Mallya's counsel to provide clarity on nature of confidential proceedings, approximate time of its completion and information on when businessman will appear before SC. 

Re: Court Issues LoR To US For Aiding CBI In Probe Against Mallya

Mallya's plea to appeal in UK SC rejected

Mallya faces serious charges of fraud and money laundering pertaining to amount borrowed by Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) from several Indian banks. He has been out on bail in UK since his initial arrest in April 2017. In 2019, he became first person to be declared as a fugitive ecomic offender on a plea of Enforcement Directorate. 

On April 20, High Court of Justice of UK dismissed his plea against his extrition to India. Queen's Division Bench comprising Justices Irwin and Elisabeth Laing did t find merit in Mallya's appeal against decision of Senior District Judge (SDJ) Arbutht of Westminster Magistrates' Court to sending his case to Home Secretary. In verdict, bench rejected submission that SDJ was wrong to find a prima facie case of conspiracy to defraud.

Moreover, it held that re is a prima facie case of misrepresentation, conspiracy and money laundering on part of Vijay Mallya. reafter, UK High Court on May 14 rejected Mallya's plea to move UK Supreme Court. In June, British High Commission in India ruled out possibility of his early extrition citing that re was ar legal matter that needed to be resolved. 

Re: Cant Set Timeline For Vijay Mallya's Extrition To India: UK Envoy