No reprieve for Mallya till he returns: Bombay HC gives fugitive tycoon final chance

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The Bombay High Court on Thursday reprimanded fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, stating clearly that a person who deliberately avoids the court process cannot avail himself of equitable relief. However, on the grounds of fairness, the court gave Mallya a final opportunity to clarify whether he intends to return to India.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Chandrashekhar was hearing Vijay Mallya's plea challenging the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 and the proceedings against him for declaring him a fugitive.

During the hearing, the court stated that it was inclined to record that Vijay Mallya was evading the court's jurisdiction, and therefore, relief in his petition was not expected. The court stated clearly, "You must return. If you do not return, we cannot hear your petition. You are evading the court process, so you cannot seek relief. However, in fairness, we are not dismissing the case and are giving you another chance." The court adjourned the hearing until next week.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also reiterated that the Indian government is fully committed to bringing back economic offenders. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that while numerous legal procedures are involved, the government is working to bring high-profile economic offenders like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi to India and try them in court.

Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha that as of October 31, 2025, a total of 15 individuals have been declared fugitive economic offenders, nine of whom are accused of committing large-scale financial fraud against public sector banks, resulting in principal losses of ₹26,645 crore. Interest on these frauds has also accrued as of October 31, 2025, amounting to ₹31,437 crore, while ₹19,187 crore has been recovered.

However, Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi have denied the allegations of financial irregularities against them. Mallya also recently questioned the central government and public sector banks about the conflicting statements regarding the amounts recovered from him, and demanded the appointment of a retired judge to investigate the matter.