Indian government's efforts to get Vijay Mallya back in the country took a hit after United Kingdom declined its request to deport the beleaguered businessman. Though UK has assured that it is keen to assist India in tightening the noose around Mallya.
"The UK Government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred. At the same time the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist Government of India. They have asked GoI to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
India had written to the British High Commission in Delhi seeking Mallya’s deportation to India for investigations against him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002. The MEA had revoked his passport and a non-bailable warrant was issued by a Special Judge in Mumbai.
Mallya, who is facing arrest over allegations of defaulting bank loans of over Rs 9,400 crore, had claimed that he is willing to return to India. But had also warned that revoking his passport or arresting him will not mean that he will return the loan amount.
"The manner in which my passport was first suspended and then revoked is unprecedented and done with an extraordinary haste. By taking my passport or arresting me, they are not getting any money," Mallya had said in his first on-camera interview after he left India.
"Right now things are flying at me fast and furious. I don't know what the government is going to do next but I have always maintained that notwithstanding anything else, I'm interested in a settlement with Kingfisher Airlines and would reach out if they are interested in making a settlement," he had said.
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