MEA awaits ED’s advice on action against Mallya

The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday said it was awaiting the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) “advice” on the next steps to be taken to bring back Vijay Mallya from the UK, which has refused to deport the liquor baron charged with money laundering.

Giving details of the response of the British government, which has asked India to request for the businessman’s extradition, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the UK had conveyed that as per its law it could not deport Mallya but crown prosecution services would be ready to discuss the key issues to consider (request for extradition) with the Indian High Commission.

“Now, we await the advice of the ED on the next steps,” Swarup said. The UK, in its response on May 5 to India’s request for the deportation of Mallya, had said that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in that country if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred.

“At the same time the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist the Government of India. They have asked GoI to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition,” it had conveyed to the Indian government. Following the UK’s refusal to deport Mallya, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said India will now have to initiate extradition proceedings after a charge sheet is filed to bring him back.