ED issues final summons to Mallya

Mallya, who was scheduled to appear on April 2, had asked for a month's time; if he fails to appear on April 9, agency will seek a non-bailable warrant

The Enforcement Directorate on Saturday issued a third and final summons against UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya, asking him to appear on April 9 to depose in investigations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

“This is the last and final summons against him. If he fails to appear on the given deadline we will start the legal proceeding against him,” a senior official of the directorate told Business Standard.

On Friday, Mallya had sought one month’s time to appear before the agency. “The date can’t be extended till May,” the official said.

In an email to to the directorate, Mallya said he was working on a repayment plan with bankers which would be heard in the Supreme Court on April 7. Citing this, he requested his deposition be delayed till May, a source said.

The Mallya-promoted Kingfisher Airlines, now defunct, owes about Rs 9,000 crore (Rs 90 billion) to a consortium of banks.

Under the law, if an individual does not present himself or herself after three summons, the directorate can move court for a non-bailable warrant.

The person’s passport can also be impounded.

There are other options, too, that can be used if Mallya does not show up. The directorate can request Interpol to issue a notice after a local court has issued a  warrant. The government can also seek Mallya’s extradition from the UK.

Photograph: Reuters