Vijay Mallya told the Bombay High Court he cannot say when he will return to India due to UK court restrictions
Mumbai: Vijay Mallya has informed the Bombay High Court that he cannot specify when he will return to India due to restrictions imposed by UK courts, complicating his legal challenges under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act.
Vijay Mallya told the Bombay High Court on February 19, 2026, that he is barred by English courts from leaving England and Wales or holding any international travel documents, preventing him from specifying a return date to India. His statement was submitted through senior advocate Amit Desai.
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Mallya referred to prior Supreme Court cases where petitions were allowed to proceed in the absence of individuals declared fugitive economic offenders, including instances where FIRs or proceedings were quashed. He argued that his petition challenging aspects of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018, can be heard even if he is abroad.
The Bombay High Court had previously indicated that Mallya must be present in India for his petition to be heard. The bench directed his counsel to submit a formal affidavit and sought a response from the Union government regarding Mallya’s stand. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on March 11, 2026.
Financial recovery and disputes
Mallya claimed that banks have recovered more than the outstanding dues, while government representatives argued he still owes money. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, and advocate Adarsh Vyas submitted that if travel restrictions exist, documents can be arranged for him.
Mallya has faced multiple cases in India, including alleged loan defaults, fraud, and money laundering related to Kingfisher Airlines loans. An FIR was filed by the CBI in July 2015, and he was charged with criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and misconduct. He left India in March 2016 and has since remained in the UK, resisting extradition while pursuing legal avenues including a “confidential legal matter” believed to relate to political asylum.
The court will review the affidavit and the Union government’s response on March 11, after which an order will be passed regarding the continuation of Mallya’s petition.
Published: 19 Feb 2026, 07:33 am IST
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