London Court Orders Extradition of Bollywood’s Bold Bird
British judge Emma Arbuthnot has cleared the path for Indian mogul Vijay Mallya – the former Kingfisher beer king and Formula One champ – to be shipped back home to answer fraud charges.
Why the Decision?
Judge Arbuthnot said the billionaire “charmed” banks into believing their money was safe while he secretly plotted a new empire. In short, he lied about where the loans were going. The court deemed there was a solid case he must face.
Extradition Deadline & Appeal
After the ruling, Mallya can file a final appeal to the Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, but the clock is ticking.
Background: Cups, Cocktails, and Chaos
In March 2016, with a staggering US$1 billion+ debt, Mallya fled India. He had taken out hefty loans from the state‑owned IDBI bank to save his scorching‑hot airline, Kingfisher Airlines, which was sinking deeper every day.
Now, he insists his “unconditional offer” to the Indian courts was merely a settlement deal, not an admission of guilt. He tweeted: “I can’t fathom how extradition ties into my settlement offer.” He’s not about to spin a tale of theft any longer.
Legal Spotlight
- Lawyer Mark Summers (India’s side): “Our focus is zero‑in on Mallya’s mischief with banks.”
- He argued: “Kingfisher Airlines was hemorrhaging. Banks gave loans in hope the airline would survive the financial storm.”
- He noted Mallya had once been dubbed the “King of Good Times” but had slipped off India’s rich list in 2014 due to sky‑high debts.”
Beyond the Boardroom
Mallya didn’t just flip a carrot for beer; he once steered the IPL cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore before stepping down last year. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate are hunting his financial footprints.
Home Sweet Home?
He is reportedly living in a sprawling, 15‑million‑dollar mansion in southeast England, but he’s adamant he didn’t just vanish. The court, however, sees him as the man who dived into debts, rather than a ~““quaintah”~ “quaint figure” or “businessman” .
Time will tell if the extravagant lifestyle will survive the extradition journey back to India.
