Mallya’s Extradition Might Take Time As He Could Challenge It On Many Grounds

The arrest of Vijay Mallya by the UK police in London is a significant move but his extradition may still take some time as lengthy legal procedures were involved, said a CBI source.

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who fled India in 2016 after allegedly defaulting on loans worth Rs 9000 crore related to now grounded Kingfisher Airlines, has been arrested by Scotland Yard in London. The arrest was made following a non-bailable warrant issued by Delhi Court on April 12. Earlier, in February India had requested UK to extradite Mallya and then UK had told India that its request had been certified by the Secretary of State.

Mallya would be produced before the Westminster Magstrate’s court at 2 pm, UK time.

“Today, he may get bail. Extradition is a long procedure and may take long since the accused can challenge it on many grounds. He can say that he is not likely to get a fair trial in India since the media had already pronounced him guilty,” an official told Outlook.

However, if the UK Home Department wants, Mallya could be deported and that could happen soon.

“Going by past experience, a deportation seems unlikely but not outside the realm of possibility,” the official added. He claimed that the CBI specially had a good case regarding defaulting on the Rs 900 crore loan taken from IDBI bank in 2009.

Soon after Mallya escaped to London, New Delhi had cancelled his passport and asked for his deportation. However, India was informed that UK rules permitted stay in the country if the person had a valid visa, which Mallya had.