Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has filed an application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by British Home Secretary Sajid Javid. The 63 year old embattled liquor baron, wanted for wilful default of over £900 million loans from Indian banks, made the application in the Administrative Court pision of the High Court last week. Javid had signed off on the order on February 5, triggering a 14-day window for his appeal application.
A UK court representative said, “The application has been sent for a judge on papers decision, which is expected any time between two to four weeks.” The case will proceed to a “substantial hearing” in the next few months. A “judge on papers” decision will involve a High Court judge determining the merits of the application. In case Mallya's application is rejected, he will have the option to submit a “renewal form”.
On December 9, the Westminster Magistrate's Court had ordered Mallya's extradition to stand trial on charges bought by the CBI and ED. Meanwhile, Mallya took to Twitter to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept his settlement offer in relation to the airline's loan default. “I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his Banks to take the money I have put on the table so he can at least claim credit for full recovery of public funds lent to Kingfisher,” he tweeted. Mallya added that his offer to the Karnataka High Court should not be dismissed as “frivolous” because it is a “perfectly tangible, sincere, honest and readily achievable offer.”
Mallya's latest statements add to his consecutive claim inside and outside courts that he is willing to settle with Indian banks but for some reason, they are not taking up his offer. He suggests the reluctance could be for political reasons. Expressing frustration at the media narrative that he stole money and fled from India, Mallya said, “The Prime Minister's last speech in Parliament was brought to my attention. He certainly is a very eloquent speaker. I noticed that he referred to an unnamed person who 'ran away' with £900 million. Given the media narrative I can only infer that reference is to me. I have made the offer to settle before the High Court of Karnataka. This cannot be dismissed as frivolous. It is a perfectly tangible, sincere, honest, and readily achievable offer. The shoe is on the other foot now. Why don't the Banks take the money lent to KFA?”
Referring to reports of the Enforcement Directorate's alleged claims that he had hidden his wealth, Mallya said, “If there was hidden wealth how could I put approximately £1.4 billion worth of assets openly in front of court? Shameful misleading of public opinion but unsurprising.” Earlier this month, Mallya sought to question the narrative that he “ran away” with £900 million from banks, asking if it is justified when his assets worth £1.3 billion had been reportedly seized.