Amid a war of words between the government and opposition over his sudden 'disappearance' from the country, External Affairs Ministry today said it has not been asked to take any action against liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is facing legal proceedings for alleged loan defaults by his group to the tune of over Rs 9000 crore.
"As far as Vijay Mallya is concerned MEA has not been asked to take any action," MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He was asked if the ministry was taking any action against Mallya, who has left the country, as per the Attorney General's submission in the court yesterday.
Asked about reports that Mallya was in the UK, the spokesperson said, "We cannot comment on that beyond what the Attorney General said in court." Yesterday, AG Mukul Rohatgi had told the Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Kurian Joseph and R F Nariman that Mallya left the country a week back as per the CBI input.
The bench issued notice to Mallya and sought his response within two weeks on pleas filed by a consortium of banks seeking direction for freezing his passport and his presence before the apex court.
Since the court was informed that Mallya has already left the country, probably for UK, the bench allowed the plea of AG that the notice to him can be served through his official Rajya Sabha Email ID, Indian High Commission at London and also through counsel representing him before various high courts, Debt Recovery Tribunal and also through his Company.
Asked about India recently approaching the Interpol with its demand for an early notification of the Red warrant sought by the ED against Lalit Modi, the former IPL Chairman, in connection with its money laundering case, Swarup said,"We have yet to receive the request from the Enforcement Directorate. As soon as that comes, we will immediately take action."
Published 10 March 2016, 15:54 IST