Fera violation case: Supreme Court dismisses Mallya's plea

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed liquor baron Vijay Mallya's plea seeking quashing of criminal proceedings against him in a case pertaining to violation of foreign exchange rules.

A bench headed by Justice J S Khehar also imposed Rs 10 lakh (Rs 1 million) as costs on Mallya in the case.

Earlier, the apex court had issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate on the UB Group chief's plea against the Delhi High Court order turning down his appeal for quashing criminal proceedings in a trial court for alleged 'wilful' disobedience of summons issued to him by the ED.

The ED had alleged that Mallya violated the provisions of Foreign Exchange Regulation Act in arranging funds to advertise his liquor products abroad over a decade ago.

The agency wanted to question Mallya in connection with a contract signed in December 1995 with London-based firm Benetton Formula Ltd for promotion of the Kingfisher brand abroad.

Mallya had allegedly paid $200,000 to the British firm for displaying the Kingfisher logo in Formula One World Championships in London and some European countries in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The money was allegedly paid without prior approval from the RBI in violation Fera norms.

Image: Vijay Mallya; Photograph: PTI Photo