Vijay Mallya Tells Bombay High Court He Cannot Return to India, Cites Passport Revocation and UK Ban
Fugitive businessman says he is legally barred from leaving the United Kingdom
Court informed of ongoing extradition proceedings and financial fraud allegations
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 19, 2026:
Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, facing multiple cases of fraud and money laundering in India, has told the Bombay High Court that he cannot provide a timeline for his return to the country. Mallya explained that his passport has been revoked and that he is legally barred from leaving the United Kingdom due to restrictions imposed by UK courts. The statement was made through his senior counsel during hearings related to ongoing proceedings against him.
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Background of the Case
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- Mallya, once known as the “King of Good Times,” left India in March 2016 amid mounting debt and allegations of defaulting on loans worth several thousand crores.
- In January 2019, a special court declared him a Fugitive Economic Offender under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- Following this, extradition proceedings were initiated in the UK to bring him back to India to face trial.
- Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI), have accused him of defaulting on loans taken for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.
Mallya’s Statement to the Court
- Appearing through senior counsel Amit Desai, Mallya informed the Bombay High Court that he cannot specify when, or if, he will return to India.
- He said his passport has been revoked and he is barred from leaving England under UK court orders.
- The court was told that these restrictions make it impossible for him to comply with Indian legal proceedings at present.
Legal Context
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 – Mallya faces charges under this law for alleged diversion of loan funds.
- Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 – He was declared a fugitive economic offender, allowing Indian authorities to confiscate his assets.
- Extradition Treaty (India-UK) – Proceedings are ongoing under the treaty framework, though delays have persisted due to appeals and UK legal restrictions.
Why This Matters
- For Indian Banks: Recovery of thousands of crores remains uncertain as Mallya’s return is stalled.
- For Legal Precedent: The case highlights challenges in extradition proceedings, especially when foreign courts impose restrictions.
- For Public Confidence: The prolonged saga raises questions about accountability in high-profile financial fraud cases.
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Broader Implications
- The Indian government continues to press for Mallya’s extradition, but UK legal hurdles have slowed progress.
- His inability to return underscores the complexities of cross-border financial crime enforcement.
- The case remains symbolic of India’s struggle to bring back fugitives accused of large-scale economic offences.
Expert Views
Legal experts argue that while India has strengthened laws like the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, enforcement depends heavily on cooperation from foreign jurisdictions. Financial analysts note that the prolonged delay in Mallya’s return undermines efforts to recover public money lost in the Kingfisher Airlines collapse.
Conclusion
Vijay Mallya’s statement to the Bombay High Court that he cannot return due to a revoked passport and UK travel ban adds another layer of complexity to his long-running legal battle. With billions of rupees at stake and millions of depositors indirectly affected, the case remains one of India’s most high-profile financial fraud disputes.
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