A huge relief to the beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, as the UK government has turned down the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) plea to deport him to India. But, UK government said that it recognises the seriousness of the allegations made against the liquor baron and will fully cooperate with government of India.

The UK has expressed its inability to accede to the request “through a note verbale to the High Commission” despite the fact that Mallya’s diplomatic passport was revoked by the external affairs ministry on 24 April.

Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson of the MEA said, “The UK Government has informed us that under 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 UK was conferred. At same time,UK acknowledges the seriousness of allegations and is keen to assist GoI”.

It is difficult for the Indian government to get the liquor baron Vijay Mallya back into the country anytime soon, with the United Kingdom (UK) declining to deport the industrialist. But, the UK has instead, suggested extradition based on a treaty signed between the countries in 1993. It has also offered legal assistance based on a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) signed in 1992.

Vijay Mallya, left India for the UK on 2 March as lenders to his grounded airline Kingfisher Airlines Ltd intensified efforts to recover over Rs.9,000 crore in loans. Mallya, has expressed doubts about receiving a fair trial in India and is expected to contest the Indian request for extradition.

By Premji