Supreme Court Dismisses Vijay Mallya's Petitions After Lawyer Says He Has No Instructions From Client

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed two special leave petitions filed by fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, after his lawyer informed the bench that he has received no instructions from the client despite several attempts.

In that view of the matter, the bench led by Chief Justice of India dismissed Mallya's petitions for non-prosecution. The Court also allowed the application filed by the lawyer seeking discharge from the case.

Mallya had filed the petitions against the judgment delivered by the Karnataka High Court on October 5, 2018, which approved the direction issued by the Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunal asking him to deposit Rs.3,101 Crore as a pre-condition for allowing his application for restoration of the appeal filed against the recover steps taken by the State Bank of India.

In a separate case, the Supreme Court had in July 2022 had sentenced Vijay Mallya to 4-months imprisonment for contempt of court for violating orders. The Court also directed the Government authorities to take steps to secure the presence of Mallya in India. In that case as well, Mallya's lawyer was allowed discharge and the Court appointed an amicus curiae as Mallya did not appear.

Mallya, who is facing extradition proceedings in UK at the instance of the Government of India, is yet to appear in India to serve the sentence in the contempt case.

Click here to read/download the order