The Supreme Court has officially confirmed that it will hear arguments in the case of fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, whom India is attempting to extradite from the United Kingdom. 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has been summoned to the Supreme Court at 2 pm on written orders from the Ministry of External Affairs. Even if Vijay Mallya is not present, the court stated that a hearing on the quantum of his sentence can be held because his lawyer has appeared in court. 

Vijay Mallya is currently in the United Kingdom as a defendant in a bank loan default case involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines, which is worth over 9,000 crore.

Also Read | Banks get 40% of money lost in Vijay Mallya, PNB fraud cases: ED

The businessman was convicted of contempt of court in 2017 after failing to disclose a $40 million transfer to his children’s accounts and appear in court when summoned. The Supreme Court denied his request for a rehearing in the case in August of last year. 

According to a petition filed by a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India, Vijay Mallya allegedly transmitted USD 40 million received from British firm Diageo to his children in “flagrant violation” of various judicial orders (SBI).

Also Read | Mehul Choksi gifted me fake diamonds… no sugar daddy: Barbara Jarabica

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Supreme Court on October 6, last year that the UK Home Office has informed them that there is a further legal issue that needs to be resolved before Vijay Mallya’s extradition can take place, and that this issue is separate and apart from the extradition process under UK law. According to the affidavit, Vijay Mallya’s surrender to India should’ve been completed within 28 days after he lost his extradition appeal. However, the UK Home Office has indicated that there are still legal issues to be resolved before Mallya is extradited.