Will Vijay Mallya Return to India? Podcast Clip Sparks Homecoming Buzz

Once called the 'King of Good Times' due to his extravagant lifestyle, liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who has been living in the UK since fleeing India in 2016 amid accusations of a ₹9,000 crore bank loan default, recently revealed his willingness to return to India-provided he is guaranteed a fair trial. In an exclusive podcast interview with Raj Shamani, Mallya addressed questions about his possible return and the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

When asked if he would come back if assured a fair trial, Mallya responded, "If I am assured, absolutely I will. I will think about it seriously." Despite his openness, he also pointed out the complexities of the Indian legal system and highlighted similar cases of extradition where courts have ruled against India due to concerns over detention conditions.

Mallya referenced the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), stating, "There are other people the government of India is targeting for extradition from the UK, where the High Court of Appeal has found Indian detention conditions violative of the ECHR." He emphasized that prolonged detention without trial is "not justice," adding, "They just lock you up and throw away the key."

Legal Challenges and Fair Trial Concerns

Mallya criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), remarking that their track record does not inspire confidence. "In India, sadly, a business failure is often equated to fraud," he said, expressing his concerns about the fairness of the judicial process in his case.

Asked what guarantees he would require for a fair trial, Mallya replied that it was a matter for lawyers to discuss but reiterated his skepticism based on past experiences.

"Call Me Fugitive, But I Didn't Run Away"

On being labeled a fugitive, Mallya said, "You may call me a fugitive for not returning to India after March, but I didn't run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn't return for reasons I consider valid." He challenged the accusations of theft, questioning, "Where is the 'chor' (thief) coming from? Where is the 'chori' (theft)?"

Background: Mallya's Legal Battle

Mallya has been embroiled in a protracted legal battle after the collapse of his Kingfisher Airlines in 2012, which left lenders unpaid to the tune of thousands of crores. The Indian government has been pursuing his extradition from the UK for years, accusing him of financial misconduct and defaulting on loans worth over ₹9,000 crore.

Living in Britain, Mallya insists that his stay is "fully legitimate" and continues to challenge the allegations in courts abroad and in India.