The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a petition by businessman Vijay Mallya.
In this petition, Vijay Mallya challenged the ongoing proceedings related to declaring him a ‘fugitive economic offender’ and confiscation of his property in a Mumbai court. The lawyer representing Vijay Mallya told the Supreme Court that he is not getting any instructions from his client regarding this petition.
After this, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by Mallya. Justice Abhay S. Oak and Justice Rajesh Bindal said, “The counsel for the petitioner told that he is not getting any instructions from his side. After this statement, the petition is dismissed.”
Justice Oka then passed the following order: “Heard learned counsel. The counsel for the petitioner states that the petitioner (Mallya) is not giving any instructions to the advocate for the petitioner. In view of the statement made, the present petition is dismissed for non-prosecution.”
The Enforcement Directorate had filed a petition in a PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court in Mumbai to declare Vijay Mallya a ‘fugitive’ under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. On January 5, 2019, the court declared Vijay Mallya a fugitive under this law. Under this law, if a person is declared a fugitive, then the prosecuting agency can confiscate his property.
On December 7, 2019, the apex court had refused to stay the proceedings under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act against Mallya. The court sought the Enforcement Directorate’s response on his plea challenging the action initiated by the authorities.
Vijay Mallya moved to Britain in March 2016. In India, action is going on against him for loan default of Rs 9000 crore.
