Vijay Mallya’s passport suspended for four weeks

The Minstry of External Affairs Ministry (MEA) on Friday suspended the validity of liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s diplomatic passport for four weeks. It took the step on a request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). It also directed him to respond within one week as to why it should not be impounded or revoked under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passports Act.

“On the advice of the ED, the passport issuing authority in the Ministry of External Affairs has suspended the validity of Mr. Mallya’s diplomatic passport with immediate effect for a period of four weeks, under Section 10 A of the Passports Act,” said an MEA spokesperson.

“If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that he has no response to offer and the MEA will go ahead with revocation,” he said.

On Wednesday, the ED approached the MEA, seeking the revocation of Mr. Mallya’s passport, as the Kingfisher Airlines’ promoter did not join the money laundering probe against him despite three notices.

The second-time Rajya Sabha member, whose term ends on June 2, holds a diplomatic passport issued by the Delhi Regional Passport Office.

The ED is investigation the money laundering charges against the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines and Mr. Mallya in connection with Rs.900-crore IDBI Bank loan default case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

In March, a Hyderabad court issued a non-bailable warrant against him in a case of alleged dishonour of a cheque for Rs.50 lakh issued to GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited.

According to sources, the ED may also approach the court seeking a non-bailable warrant against him in the bank loan default case.

Source: PTI