Need dual criminality to catch Mallya: MEA

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya can be brought back from London, if it can be established that the offences he committed in India are also punishable by the UK laws.

“As per international norms, dual criminality is an essential component for extradition of a fugitive,” M J Akbar, Minister of State for External Affairs, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply to a question by Balasubramaniam Senguttuvan, an MP of the All India Anna Dravida Munnethra Kazhagam.

“In the present case, establishment of dual criminality is a legal requirement according to India-UK Extradition Treaty,” Akbar said.

Mallya is wanted for his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines’ default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore. New Delhi has asked London to extradite him in accordance with the India-UK extradition treaty.

Mallya left India for the UK on March 2, 2016 — the day a consortium of 13 banks, which had given the loan to his company, moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal to step up pressure on him to return the money. He was arrested in London on April 18 and was presented before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day. He was, however, granted bail. The Westminster court will determine whether he should be extradited or not.