India on Sunday revoked the passport of Vijay Mallya, whose Kingfisher Airlines has been accused of defaulting bank loans of over Rs 9,400 crore, in a step closer to initiating his deportation.

“Having considered the reply furnished by Vijay Mallya to the show cause notice, facts got by Enforcement Directorate and non-bailable warrant under the PMLA Act, 2002 issued by special judge, Mumbai, the MEA has revoked the passport of Vijay Mallya,” External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Today’s revocation came even as the ministry was exploring legal option regarding deportation of Mallya, who has ignored three summons by the Enforcement Directorate which is looking into charges of alleged money laundering and other financial irregularities.

The Ministry had suspended Mallya’s diplomatic passport on April 15 and issued a show cause notice to him asking him why his passport should not be revoked.

According to sources, once MEA decides to seek the deportation of Mallya, who is believed to be in the UK after leaving India on March 2, the Ministry will ask for its British counterpart’s assistance in the matter.

Asked how much time it will take in getting Mallya back to the country, the sources said after the revocation of the passport his stay abroad is illegal and he should come back.

“The future course of action will depend on various factors, as also the steps taken by the investigating agencies which now can issue Letter Rogatory,” the sources said.

ED has approached the MEA seeking initiation of deportation proceedings against liquor baron Mallya charged with money laundering in the Rs 900 crore IDBI loan fraud case.

“The grounds for deportation are primarily two. A non-bailable warrant issued by the Mumbai court and revocation of the passport of the businessman,” the sources said.

Mallya can approach the British authorities to grant him permission to continue his stay in that country. He can also move Indian courts challenging the revocation of his passport.

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