Bombay High Court Gives Vijay Mallya Final Chance to Return

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : The Bombay High Court on Thursday granted UK-based businessman Vijay Mallya one final opportunity to return to India and submit to its jurisdiction if he wishes to pursue his challenge against being declared a fugitive economic offender. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar made it clear that the court would not entertain petitions from an individual who continues to stay abroad while seeking relief from Indian courts.

During the hearing, the bench sharply criticised Mallya for attempting to invoke constitutional remedies without appearing before the court. “If you do not return, we cannot hear your petition. You are evading the court process,” the Chief Justice observed, underscoring that equitable relief cannot be claimed by a litigant who deliberately avoids legal proceedings in the country.

The court was hearing Mallya’s plea questioning the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act and the proceedings through which he was designated a fugitive. While the bench expressed strong reservations about the maintainability of the petition in Mallya’s absence, it chose not to dismiss the matter outright. “Nevertheless, in fairness, we are not dismissing the matter and are giving you another chance,” the judges said, granting him time to reconsider his stand.

The High Court has now listed the matter for further hearing on February 18. It directed Mallya to file an affidavit clearly stating when he intends to return to India and submit himself to the court’s jurisdiction. The bench indicated that only upon such a commitment would it consider examining the merits of his challenge.

Mallya, the former owner of Kingfisher Airlines, left India after allegations of large-scale financial irregularities linked to unpaid bank loans running into thousands of crores. According to data placed on record by the Union Finance Ministry, he is among 15 individuals declared fugitive economic offenders as of October 31, 2025, collectively accused of causing losses of over Rs 57,000 crore to Indian banks.

The State Bank of India has stated that in Mallya’s case alone, the principal amount involved was Rs 6,848 crore, with interest losses estimated at Rs 11,960 crore. Officials, however, informed the court that recoveries amounting to Rs 10,814 crore have been made so far.

Opposing Mallya’s plea, the Enforcement Directorate submitted that he was attempting to convert money laundering proceedings into a mere recovery exercise. The agency argued that Mallya challenged the law only after being declared a fugitive, and at a time when his extradition proceedings in London were already underway.

Team Maverick.