Supreme Court to hear Vijay Mallya contempt case on January 18, says won’t wait for his extradition

The Supreme Court on Tuesday listed the sentence hearing in a contempt case against fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya on January 18. India has been trying to extradite the Kingfisher boss from the United Kingdom for the last few years.

The bench comprising Justice U.U. Lalit, Justice Ravindra Bhat and Justice Bela Trivedi was hearing the contempt matter involving Mallya, accused in the bank loan default case of over Rs 9,000 crore involving his defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Addressing the Centre, Justice Lalit said the Court has waited long enough for him to come. “That is enough… We cannot wait forever,” said the judge.

The bench also said it is up to Mallya to appear in person or advance arguments through his counsel. “The matter has to see the light as it is getting adjourned from 2017 when he was found guilty of contempt. Only sentencing is pending for last four years,” the court said.

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The court has been waiting for his personal appearance to hear and decide his punishment.

The apex court had earlier dismissed Mallya’s plea seeking review of its 2017 verdict which held him guilty of contempt for transferring $40 million to his children in violation of the court orders.