Vijay Mallya Faces Court Warning Over Social Media Posts Amid Ongoing Money Laundering Case
Court Issues Warning to Vijay Mallya
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has cautioned UK-based businessman Vijay Mallya, labeled a "Fugitive Economic Offender," against sharing court documents on social media while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigates his money laundering case, as reported by his lawyer on Tuesday.
Advocate Ashish Mehta stated that the High Court's warning came after the ED raised concerns about Mallya posting the agency's affidavit on the social media platform X prior to the court reviewing its contents.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 13 and instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to submit a new affidavit reflecting the ED's disclosures.
Previously, Mallya informed the High Court in February that he could not specify when he would return to India, citing court-imposed restrictions in England that he claims prevent him from leaving.
The High Court is currently reviewing two petitions filed by Mallya: one challenges his classification as a "Fugitive Economic Offender" under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA), while the other disputes a court ruling that officially declared him a fugitive.
Senior advocate Amit Desai, representing Mallya, referenced Supreme Court rulings that allowed writ petitions to be heard even without the petitioners present.
He noted that extradition proceedings against Mallya are ongoing in the UK, and while he is aware of them, he cannot exit the English jurisdiction due to binding court orders.
However, the High Court expressed skepticism regarding Mallya's willingness to appear in court, suggesting he seems to be relying on UK court orders without clarifying if those orders have been contested.
The Bench indicated that such reliance cannot serve as an unconditional justification.
The court has directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to respond to Mallya's affidavit and has asked Desai to provide a comprehensive affidavit documenting all statements made during the hearing for the Union of India to address.