The Bombay High Court on Thursday made a strong remark against fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, saying it would hear his plea only if he returns to India. The court observed that Mallya cannot avoid
the legal process while simultaneously seeking relief from an Indian court.
“You have to come back. If you cannot come back, then we cannot hear this plea,” the High Court told Mallya, making it clear that his physical return to India was a prerequisite for the matter to proceed.
The court further remarked that Mallya was avoiding the process of law and said he cannot take advantage of filing a petition while remaining outside the country. The plea before the court challenges the vires of the Fugitive Economic Offender (FEO) Act.
The High Court indicated that it would not entertain the petition unless Mallya submits himself to Indian jurisdiction.
Vijay Mallya, who has been based in the UK since 2016, has filed two petitions before the Bombay High Court, one challenging the order declaring him a fugitive economic offender and the other questioning the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, 2018. The 70-year-old liquor baron faces multiple cases in India related to fraud and money laundering.
