&nbspCo-owner Vijay Mallya has resigned as a director of the Force India Formula One team but will continue to serve as principal and shareholder.

"I continue as team principal," the beleaguered businessman told the Motorsport.com website on Thursday. "There was no compulsion anywhere to resign, it's just that I decided that my son should replace me.

"I have my own legal issues to take care of. So it's better that the company remains unaffected."

Mallya, who lives in Britain, is fighting a court battle to prevent his extradition to India to face charges of fraud.

The 62-year-old Indian, who denies wrongdoing, stands accused of fraudulently palming off losses from his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines on to banks by taking out loans he had no intention of repaying.

A "termination of a director appointment" notice was listed under the team's filings on the Companies House website. The date of termination was May 25.

There was no mention of his son, Siddharth, being appointed in his place.

"I continue as team principal," the beleaguered businessman told the Motorsport.com website on Thursday.

&nbspCo-owner Vijay Mallya has resigned as a director of the Force India Formula One team but will continue to serve as principal and shareholder. "I continue as team principal," the beleaguered businessman told the Motorsport.com website on Thursday. "There was no compulsion anywhere to resign, it's just that I decided that my son should replace me. "I have my own legal issues to take care of. So it's better that the company remains unaffected." Mallya, who lives in Britain, is fighting a court battle to prevent his extradition to India to face charges of fraud. The 62-year-old Indian, who denies wrongdoing, stands accused of fraudulently palming off losses from his now defunct Kingfisher Airlines on to banks by taking out loans he had no intention of repaying. A "termination of a director appointment" notice was listed under the team's filings on the Companies House website. The date of termination was May 25. There was no mention of his son, Siddharth, being appointed in his place.

Mallya resigns as Force India F1 director

Vijay Mallaya's extradition is <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/you-kept-gandhi-nehru-in-same-jails-pm-modi-to-theresa-may-on-mallyas-extradition-140912">likely to be discussed during</a>&nbspUK-India Home Affairs dialogue today.

The ex-liquor baron is currently fighting a case in the British court to prevent Indian officials from extraditing him in the 9,000 crore money laundering case.

The UK judge had recently said Mallya was in "clear breach" of Karnataka court's order when he disposed of assets like a historic sword of Tipu Sultan acquired at an auction in 2003.

Mallaya has been fighting the extradition warrant in the UK court since last year. The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London is likely to conclude its hearing by July 11 after which it is expected to announce its judgement.

Mallya has claimed the criminal charges against him are "without substance" and "politically motivated".&nbsp

The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London is likely to conclude its hearing by July 11

Vijay Mallaya's extradition is likely to be discussed during&nbspUK-India Home Affairs dialogue today. The ex-liquor baron is currently fighting a case in the British court to prevent Indian officials from extraditing him in the 9,000 crore money laundering case. The UK judge had recently said Mallya was in "clear breach" of Karnataka court's order when he disposed of assets like a historic sword of Tipu Sultan acquired at an auction in 2003. Mallaya has been fighting the extradition warrant in the UK court since last year. The Westminster Magistrates' Court in London is likely to conclude its hearing by July 11 after which it is expected to announce its judgement. Mallya has claimed the criminal charges against him are "without substance" and "politically motivated".

India, UK officials to discuss Mallya issue today

Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with his British counterpart last month, had expressed unhappiness over queries on the condition of Indian prisons.

"These are the same jails where you (British) had kept Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other top Indian leaders," Swaraj told reporters on Monday when asked about the focus on conditions in Indian jails during a hearing in a British court over Vijay Mallya's extradition to India.

Swaraj informed that PM Modi had told the British PM that it was not proper for courts to ask about the condition of Indian jails as the British themselves had kept Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Indian leaders in these prisons.

"He also told her that when our fugitives come here (Britain), it takes time to send them back," Swaraj said.

According to reports, PM Modi conveyed his opinion to PM May during his talks on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Prime Minister had also raised the issue of delay in sending back Indian fugitives by British authorities.

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya's lawyers have been opposing Indian Government's plea for extraditing him citing poor hygiene and overcrowding in Indian jails.&nbsp;A British court is considering India's requests for extradition of Mallya.

Mallya is facing charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. He was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in April 2017.

According to an MEA statement released in July 2017, Mallya is among 53 persons who face prosecution complaints from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Mallya is absconding and currently lives in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

According to reports, PM Modi conveyed his opinion to PM May during his talks on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)

Union Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his meeting with his British counterpart last month, had expressed unhappiness over queries on the condition of Indian prisons. "These are the same jails where you (British) had kept Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other top Indian leaders," Swaraj told reporters on Monday when asked about the focus on conditions in Indian jails during a hearing in a British court over Vijay Mallya's extradition to India. Swaraj informed that PM Modi had told the British PM that it was not proper for courts to ask about the condition of Indian jails as the British themselves had kept Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and other Indian leaders in these prisons. "He also told her that when our fugitives come here (Britain), it takes time to send them back," Swaraj said. According to reports, PM Modi conveyed his opinion to PM May during his talks on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Prime Minister had also raised the issue of delay in sending back Indian fugitives by British authorities. Liquor baron Vijay Mallya's lawyers have been opposing Indian Government's plea for extraditing him citing poor hygiene and overcrowding in Indian jails. A British court is considering India's requests for extradition of Mallya. Mallya is facing charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. He was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in April 2017. According to an MEA statement released in July 2017, Mallya is among 53 persons who face prosecution complaints from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. Mallya is absconding and currently lives in the United Kingdom. (With inputs from PTI)

You kept Gandhi, Nehru in same jails: PM Modi to Theresa May on Mallya's extradition

Producer-filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani is news again. The former Censor Board chief is back to making films. On Tuesday, Nihalini announced his next 'entertainer' featuring Govinda in the lead.&nbsp; 
The filmmaker is reportedly based on Vijay Mallya and Govinda will be seen playing the lead role. Titled as 'Rangeela Raja', the film has Govinda playing a smooth scamster.

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I have made a movie inspired by the life of Vijay Mallya, and Govinda is in the main lead, audiences will be surprised to see his new avataar. The movie will be completely entertaining: Pahlaj Nihalani, producer & director <a href="https://t.co/prYo6ZqQUK">pic.twitter.com/prYo6ZqQUK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1001388003590258689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Nihalani shot a song-and-dance sequence with Govinda choreographed by Chinni Prakash where the Mallya card was played up.

"Not the Mallya card, the Mallya calendar. The entire look, feel, appearance and rhythm of the song sequence is based on the Kingfisher calendars. As for Govinda playing who you say he is playing, let`s just keep the suspense going. I am neither denying nor admitting it," Nihalani said to a news agency.

'Rangeela Raja', which opens in August, reunites Govinda and Nihalani after 35 years.

"It felt just like old times when we shot together for his debut film `Ilzaam`. Govinda is fitter now than he has ever been. And Chinni Prakash who has done many of Govinda`s dances in my films gave Govinda steps this time that only Govinda can do. No concession for age. And Govinda wasn`t looking for easier steps," said Nihalani.

The film is being touted as Govinda's comeback film.

Producer-filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani is news again. The former Censor Board chief is back to making films. On Tuesday, Nihalini announced his next 'entertainer' featuring Govinda in the lead. The filmmaker is reportedly based on Vijay Mallya and Govinda will be seen playing the lead role. Titled as 'Rangeela Raja', the film has Govinda playing a smooth scamster. I have made a movie inspired by the life of Vijay Mallya, and Govinda is in the main lead, audiences will be surprised to see his new avataar. The movie will be completely entertaining: Pahlaj Nihalani, producer & director pic.twitter.com/prYo6ZqQUK — ANI (@ANI) May 29, 2018 × Last week, Nihalani shot a song-and-dance sequence with Govinda choreographed by Chinni Prakash where the Mallya card was played up. "Not the Mallya card, the Mallya calendar. The entire look, feel, appearance and rhythm of the song sequence is based on the Kingfisher calendars. As for Govinda playing who you say he is playing, let`s just keep the suspense going. I am neither denying nor admitting it," Nihalani said to a news agency. 'Rangeela Raja', which opens in August, reunites Govinda and Nihalani after 35 years. "It felt just like old times when we shot together for his debut film `Ilzaam`. Govinda is fitter now than he has ever been. And Chinni Prakash who has done many of Govinda`s dances in my films gave Govinda steps this time that only Govinda can do. No concession for age. And Govinda wasn`t looking for easier steps," said Nihalani.

Govinda to play Vijay Mallya in Pahlaj Nihalani's film?

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, can be regarded as a "fugitive from justice", the UK High Court has concluded.

Judge Andrew Henshaw, who upheld a worldwide freeze order and ruled <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallya-loses-155-billion-assets-case-in-uk-court-135564">in favour of 13 Indian state-owned banks</a> to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds in a judgment yesterday, took note of the fact that the 62-year-old businessman is contesting his extradition to India relating to "alleged financial misconduct".

"In all these circumstances, and even taking account of the fact that Dr Mallya is contesting the alleged grounds for extradition, there are grounds for regarding Dr Mallya as a fugitive from justice," the judge said as part of his ruling.

The High Court remained unconvinced by Mallya's claim that he has been a non-resident Indian (NRI) since 1988 and has lived in England since 1992, a country where he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

"The evidence indicates that prior to March 2016 Dr Mallya travelled fairly regularly between India and England for business and political reasons. Most of his business interests were in or closely connected with India, most notably United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines?Whilst Dr Mallya has indefinite leave to stay in the UK, he is said to be a non-resident taxpayer," the court observed.

The judge also concluded that the businessman had been in "clear breach" of a Karnataka court's order when he disposed of assets like a historic sword of Tipu Sultan acquired at an auction in 2003.

"The sword of Tipu Sultan is an item of historic importance which Dr Mallya bought at an auction in 2003 for the equivalent of GBP 188,400 and states that he gave away in 2016 as his family members considered that it was bringing him bad luck," Judge Henshaw notes in his judgment.

"Dr Mallya declined to state in correspondence to whom the sword was given. Dr Mallya was unable to put forward any basis for contending that the disposal was not in breach of the Karnataka High Court's interim injunction, and accepted that it occurred after the Supreme Court had made clear that the injunction covered subsequently acquired assets? It does, though, appear to me to have been in clear breach of the Karnataka court's order," he adds.

The judge, however, was less certain that luxury cars and yachts had been undeclared or disposed of by Mallya as claimed by the legal team representing the 13 Indian banks ? State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu &a Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd.

The judge noted: "The Claimants [Indian banks] say there are numerous other assets which have been linked to Dr Mallya in various sources on the internet, but which he denies that he owns. These comprise three yachts, numerous cars and the Mabula Game Reserve in South Africa. 
"The registered/asserted owners are offshore companies and/or trusts. Since these matters are unverified, I do not consider I can take account of them."

Mallya's purchase of a Ferrari 246 GTS with an estimated value of 480,000 pounds was also questioned by the Indian banks. The UK court concluded that it may be the case that the payment of the deposit on the Ferrari was in breach of the Karnataka High Court's interim injunction. 
"However, this point was not the subject of any detailed argument before me and, overall, I do not consider that the matters relating to the Ferrari carry matters any further on this application," the judge concluded.

The ruling by the UK court has been described as "significant" by TLT LLP, the UK law firm which represented the Indian banks in the case.

"This is a positive and big step forward. The judgement enables our client banks to proceed with enforcement of the Indian Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) ruling, which has now been registered and is immediately enforceable," said Paul Gair, partner in TLT's Banking & Financial Services litigation team.

"We are considering all of our options with our clients? the worldwide freezing order has worldwide effect, so it's all of his assets wherever they may be. There are provisions for his weekly allowance, within which he can meet his needs," he added.

Mallya, who remains on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year, will return for the last leg of his ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on July 11, after which the court is expected to set a timeline for judgment in that case.&nbsp

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed it has successfully established a prima facie case of fraud against the businessman.

Mallya has claimed the criminal charges against him are "without substance" and "politically motivated".&nbsp

'Even taking account of the fact that Dr Mallya is contesting the alleged grounds for extradition, there are grounds for regarding Dr Mallya as a fugitive from justice,' Judge Andrew Henshaw said

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya, wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, can be regarded as a "fugitive from justice", the UK High Court has concluded. Judge Andrew Henshaw, who upheld a worldwide freeze order and ruled in favour of 13 Indian state-owned banks to recover funds amounting to nearly 1.145 billion pounds in a judgment yesterday, took note of the fact that the 62-year-old businessman is contesting his extradition to India relating to "alleged financial misconduct". "In all these circumstances, and even taking account of the fact that Dr Mallya is contesting the alleged grounds for extradition, there are grounds for regarding Dr Mallya as a fugitive from justice," the judge said as part of his ruling. The High Court remained unconvinced by Mallya's claim that he has been a non-resident Indian (NRI) since 1988 and has lived in England since 1992, a country where he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR). "The evidence indicates that prior to March 2016 Dr Mallya travelled fairly regularly between India and England for business and political reasons. Most of his business interests were in or closely connected with India, most notably United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines?Whilst Dr Mallya has indefinite leave to stay in the UK, he is said to be a non-resident taxpayer," the court observed. The judge also concluded that the businessman had been in "clear breach" of a Karnataka court's order when he disposed of assets like a historic sword of Tipu Sultan acquired at an auction in 2003. "The sword of Tipu Sultan is an item of historic importance which Dr Mallya bought at an auction in 2003 for the equivalent of GBP 188,400 and states that he gave away in 2016 as his family members considered that it was bringing him bad luck," Judge Henshaw notes in his judgment. "Dr Mallya declined to state in correspondence to whom the sword was given. Dr Mallya was unable to put forward any basis for contending that the disposal was not in breach of the Karnataka High Court's interim injunction, and accepted that it occurred after the Supreme Court had made clear that the injunction covered subsequently acquired assets? It does, though, appear to me to have been in clear breach of the Karnataka court's order," he adds. The judge, however, was less certain that luxury cars and yachts had been undeclared or disposed of by Mallya as claimed by the legal team representing the 13 Indian banks ? State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu &a Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd. The judge noted: "The Claimants [Indian banks] say there are numerous other assets which have been linked to Dr Mallya in various sources on the internet, but which he denies that he owns. These comprise three yachts, numerous cars and the Mabula Game Reserve in South Africa. "The registered/asserted owners are offshore companies and/or trusts. Since these matters are unverified, I do not consider I can take account of them." Mallya's purchase of a Ferrari 246 GTS with an estimated value of 480,000 pounds was also questioned by the Indian banks. The UK court concluded that it may be the case that the payment of the deposit on the Ferrari was in breach of the Karnataka High Court's interim injunction. "However, this point was not the subject of any detailed argument before me and, overall, I do not consider that the matters relating to the Ferrari carry matters any further on this application," the judge concluded. The ruling by the UK court has been described as "significant" by TLT LLP, the UK law firm which represented the Indian banks in the case. "This is a positive and big step forward. The judgement enables our client banks to proceed with enforcement of the Indian Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) ruling, which has now been registered and is immediately enforceable," said Paul Gair, partner in TLT's Banking & Financial Services litigation team. "We are considering all of our options with our clients? the worldwide freezing order has worldwide effect, so it's all of his assets wherever they may be. There are provisions for his weekly allowance, within which he can meet his needs," he added. Mallya, who remains on bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant in April last year, will return for the last leg of his ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on July 11, after which the court is expected to set a timeline for judgment in that case. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed it has successfully established a prima facie case of fraud against the businessman. Mallya has claimed the criminal charges against him are "without substance" and "politically motivated".

Vijay Mallya can be regarded as a 'fugitive from justice': UK High Court

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over fraud and money laundering charges by Indian authorities, Tuesday lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in the UK High Court seeking to collect from him more than $1.55 billion.

Judge Andrew Henshaw refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing 62-year-old Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that a consortium of 13 Indian banks were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly $1.55 billion (1.145 billion pounds).

The victory for the banks, which claimed the businessman had wilfully defaulted on the loans accessed from them, will enable them to enforce the Indian judgment against Mallya's assets in England and Wales. The worldwide freezing order prevents Mallya from removing any assets from England and Wales up to that value or to in any way dispose of, deal with or diminish the value of his assets in or outside of this jurisdiction, up to the same value.

"Today's judgment is a very important decision not just for our clients, who want to proceed in this jurisdiction with enforcing the judgment they secured against Dr Mallya in India, but also for Indian and international banks more generally," said Paul Gair, from UK law firm TLT which represented the Indian banks in the London court.

"In dismissing Dr Mallya's application, the High Court has demonstrated its willingness to recognise judgments granted by courts in other jurisdictions, giving parties opportunities to enforce their judgments against any assets held here. This case also sets a strong precedent for parties to secure a worldwide freezing order when enforcing judgments against wilful defaulters," he said.

Gair, a partner in TLT's banking and financial services litigation team, added that in a weakened global economy, "non-performing loans" present a real challenge for lenders, particularly where customers have assets located around the world.

"The English courts can play a vital role in these cases given that London is the world's leading financial centre," he noted.

TLT acted for the Indian banks in successfully defeating two applications, first, an application to set aside the first recorded case of a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in India being registered by the English High Court, and the second, to discharge an associated worldwide freezing order. The firm had also acted for the banks in November 2017 to secure the registration and freezing order, which was successfully upheld today.

The case is the latest stage in long-running litigation in which the banks are seeking to recover sums lent to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines Limited, guaranteed by Mallya.

The businessman was represented by Nicholas Peacock and George Heyman of Maitland Chambers, who were instructed by the law firm Macfarlanes LLP.&nbsp;

The High Court judge has also refused permission to appeal today's ruling, which leaves Mallya's lawyers with the only option of directly petitioning the UK's Court of Appeal.

The claim brought by 13 Indian banks against Mallya had come up for a hearing in the High Court last month. The litigation in the Queen's Bench Division of the commercial court in England's High Court of Justice lists the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu and a Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd as the applicants.&nbsp;

Mallya and related concerns&nbsp;Ladywalk LLP, Rose Capital Ventures Ltd and Orange India Holdings are listed as respondents. The assets freeze order had forced Mallya on to a weekly allowance of 5,000 pounds, which his lawyers had managed to boost to 18,325.31 pounds a week at a hearing earlier this year.

According to court documents, the claim relates to a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Karnataka, which concluded that Mallya was "liable" to the banks in the sum of INR 62,033,503,879.42 plus interest.

The "freezing order" involves Mallya and related concerns being "restrained" until further order, from removing from the jurisdiction any of their assets in the jurisdiction up to a limit of 1,145,000,000 pounds and in any way disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of their assets whether they are inside or outside the jurisdiction up to the same value".

The UK court had earlier upheld the Indian court's injunction and given Mallya's lawyers more time to respond due to the ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, which is now set for a hearing on July 11.

Meanwhile, Mallya remains on a 650,000-pound bail bond since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intentions of repaying them.&nbsp;

Mallya's defence team has been deposing a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no "fraudulent" intentions.

Judge Andrew Henshaw refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing the 62-year-old Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that a consortium of 13 Indian banks was entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly $1.55 billion or over Rs 10,000 crore

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over fraud and money laundering charges by Indian authorities, Tuesday lost a lawsuit filed by 13 Indian banks in the UK High Court seeking to collect from him more than $1.55 billion. Judge Andrew Henshaw refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing 62-year-old Mallya's assets and upheld an Indian court's ruling that a consortium of 13 Indian banks were entitled to recover funds amounting to nearly $1.55 billion (1.145 billion pounds). The victory for the banks, which claimed the businessman had wilfully defaulted on the loans accessed from them, will enable them to enforce the Indian judgment against Mallya's assets in England and Wales. The worldwide freezing order prevents Mallya from removing any assets from England and Wales up to that value or to in any way dispose of, deal with or diminish the value of his assets in or outside of this jurisdiction, up to the same value. "Today's judgment is a very important decision not just for our clients, who want to proceed in this jurisdiction with enforcing the judgment they secured against Dr Mallya in India, but also for Indian and international banks more generally," said Paul Gair, from UK law firm TLT which represented the Indian banks in the London court. "In dismissing Dr Mallya's application, the High Court has demonstrated its willingness to recognise judgments granted by courts in other jurisdictions, giving parties opportunities to enforce their judgments against any assets held here. This case also sets a strong precedent for parties to secure a worldwide freezing order when enforcing judgments against wilful defaulters," he said. Gair, a partner in TLT's banking and financial services litigation team, added that in a weakened global economy, "non-performing loans" present a real challenge for lenders, particularly where customers have assets located around the world. "The English courts can play a vital role in these cases given that London is the world's leading financial centre," he noted. TLT acted for the Indian banks in successfully defeating two applications, first, an application to set aside the first recorded case of a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in India being registered by the English High Court, and the second, to discharge an associated worldwide freezing order. The firm had also acted for the banks in November 2017 to secure the registration and freezing order, which was successfully upheld today. The case is the latest stage in long-running litigation in which the banks are seeking to recover sums lent to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines Limited, guaranteed by Mallya. The businessman was represented by Nicholas Peacock and George Heyman of Maitland Chambers, who were instructed by the law firm Macfarlanes LLP. The High Court judge has also refused permission to appeal today's ruling, which leaves Mallya's lawyers with the only option of directly petitioning the UK's Court of Appeal. The claim brought by 13 Indian banks against Mallya had come up for a hearing in the High Court last month. The litigation in the Queen's Bench Division of the commercial court in England's High Court of Justice lists the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu and a Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd as the applicants. Mallya and related concerns Ladywalk LLP, Rose Capital Ventures Ltd and Orange India Holdings are listed as respondents. The assets freeze order had forced Mallya on to a weekly allowance of 5,000 pounds, which his lawyers had managed to boost to 18,325.31 pounds a week at a hearing earlier this year. According to court documents, the claim relates to a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Karnataka, which concluded that Mallya was "liable" to the banks in the sum of INR 62,033,503,879.42 plus interest. The "freezing order" involves Mallya and related concerns being "restrained" until further order, from removing from the jurisdiction any of their assets in the jurisdiction up to a limit of 1,145,000,000 pounds and in any way disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of their assets whether they are inside or outside the jurisdiction up to the same value". The UK court had earlier upheld the Indian court's injunction and given Mallya's lawyers more time to respond due to the ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, which is now set for a hearing on July 11. Meanwhile, Mallya remains on a 650,000-pound bail bond since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intentions of repaying them. Mallya's defence team has been deposing a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no "fraudulent" intentions.

Vijay Mallya loses Rs 10,000 crore case filed by 13 Indian banks in UK High Court

A UK court on Friday admitted the bulk of the evidence submitted by the CBI against Vijay Mallya in connection with his ongoing extradition trial, giving a boost to India's efforts to bring back the embattled liquor baron to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore.

The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11.

When the court reconvenes, oral submissions will be made on closing arguments to be submitted in writing to Judge Emma Arbuthnot over the next two months.&nbsp;

The judge is then expected to indicate plans for a verdict in the case at the next hearing.

During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got a boost as Judge Arbuthnot confirmed that the bulk of the evidence submitted by it will be admissible.

Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied.

UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited.

District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory".

During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to an availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK.

The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016.

It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts.

Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order.

However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/my-democratic-right-to-vote-in-karnataka-elections-says-vijay-mallya-133253">'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya</a>

The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11

A UK court on Friday admitted the bulk of the evidence submitted by the CBI against Vijay Mallya in connection with his ongoing extradition trial, giving a boost to India's efforts to bring back the embattled liquor baron to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore. The 62-year-old flambouyant businessman, who appeared in the Westminister Magistrate's Court here, had his 650,000 pounds bail extended until the next date of hearing on July 11. When the court reconvenes, oral submissions will be made on closing arguments to be submitted in writing to Judge Emma Arbuthnot over the next two months. The judge is then expected to indicate plans for a verdict in the case at the next hearing. During the hearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) got a boost as Judge Arbuthnot confirmed that the bulk of the evidence submitted by it will be admissible. Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied. UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited. District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory". During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to an availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK. The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict. Also read: 'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya

Mallya case: CBI gets boost on evidence admissibility, next hearing on July 11

As the extradition battle continued in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-back-in-uk-court-for-extradition-hearing-133241">UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya </a>said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK.

"It is my democratic right to vote in Karnataka but conditions of my bail are such that I cannot leave the UK," Mallya said as he stepped in court for another day of extradition hearing in the UK court.

Mallya, 62, has been involved in a court case filed by the Indian government accusing him of fraud in default case amounting to over 9,000 crores from Indian banks.

"I haven't been following the politics there so cannot comment on the political developments," he added.

The Westminister court had earlier denied Mallya's extradition. The Indian government appealed again, in the last hearing, the judge said it was "blindingly obvious" that Indian banks had broken rules to sanction loans to Mallya.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," the judge said.

The judge requested the Indian government to explain the activities of the bank officials involved in extending loans to Mallya.

Mallya is currently on a 650,000-pound bail since April last year after his arrest by Scotland Yard.

The Westminister court had earlier denied Mallya's extradition.

As the extradition battle continued in a UK court, ex-liquor baron Vijay Mallya said even though it is his "democratic right" to vote in the impending Karnataka Assembly elections but his bail conditions won't allow him to leave the UK. "It is my democratic right to vote in Karnataka but conditions of my bail are such that I cannot leave the UK," Mallya said as he stepped in court for another day of extradition hearing in the UK court. Mallya, 62, has been involved in a court case filed by the Indian government accusing him of fraud in default case amounting to over 9,000 crores from Indian banks. "I haven't been following the politics there so cannot comment on the political developments," he added. The Westminister court had earlier denied Mallya's extradition. The Indian government appealed again, in the last hearing, the judge said it was "blindingly obvious" that Indian banks had broken rules to sanction loans to Mallya. "There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," the judge said. The judge requested the Indian government to explain the activities of the bank officials involved in extending loans to Mallya. Mallya is currently on a 650,000-pound bail since April last year after his arrest by Scotland Yard.

'My democratic right to vote in Karnataka elections,' says Vijay Mallya

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was back in a UK court on Friday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition trial.

The 62-year-old, who is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, is currently on a 650,000 pounds bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year.

"It's another day in court", Mallya told reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court here.&nbsp;

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot is set to consider some additional material sought from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, hear closing arguments, and set a timeline for a verdict in the case&nbsp;which is expected by next month.

At the last hearing in the case on March 16, the judge had noted that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines owned by Mallya.

"There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" allegations against Mallya.

At the end of that hearing, the judge had indicated her decision on the admissibility of evidence would go in favour of admitting some material and excluding some affidavits, which she said did not pertain to the prima facie case of fraud.

Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, had also argued that evidence which was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was, in fact, a privileged interaction between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible.

The judge said she was still "on the fence" about admitting that correspondence.

Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied.

UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited.

District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory".&nbsp;

During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to the availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK.

The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016.&nbsp;

It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts.

Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order.&nbsp;

However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.

Vijay Mallya is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya was back in a UK court on Friday for a hearing in his ongoing extradition trial. The 62-year-old, who is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, is currently on a 650,000 pounds bail since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year. "It's another day in court", Mallya told reporters outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court here. Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot is set to consider some additional material sought from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, hear closing arguments, and set a timeline for a verdict in the case which is expected by next month. At the last hearing in the case on March 16, the judge had noted that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines owned by Mallya. "There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines (in sanctioning some of the loans)," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" allegations against Mallya. At the end of that hearing, the judge had indicated her decision on the admissibility of evidence would go in favour of admitting some material and excluding some affidavits, which she said did not pertain to the prima facie case of fraud. Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, had also argued that evidence which was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was, in fact, a privileged interaction between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible. The judge said she was still "on the fence" about admitting that correspondence. Today's hearing comes days after the Indian government's High Court appeal against a previous Westminster Magistrates' Court extradition ruling that had been denied. UK-based Sanjeev Kumar Chawla, wanted in India as a key accused in the cricket match-fixing scandal involving former South African captain Hanse Cronje in 2000, had been discharged in October last year on human rights grounds over severe conditions in Delhi's Tihar Jail, where the accused was to be held on being extradited. District Judge Rebecca Crane had based her verdict to discharge Chawla largely upon the testimony of Dr Alan Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Mallya's defence team has previously deposed the same prisons expert in his extradition case, who told Judge Arbuthnot during the course of the trial that conditions in all Indian jails are "far from satisfactory". During the last hearing in the case in March, CPS barrister Mark Summers reiterated that the Indian government had provided further clarifications related to the availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from the UK. The trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against Mallya, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove there are no "bars to extradition" and that the tycoon is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of over Rs 9,000 crore in loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented establishes "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. If the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal to higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.

Vijay Mallya back in UK court for extradition hearing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet.

"The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said.

Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country.

He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores.

India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya.

Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates.&nbsp;

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During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. <a href="https://t.co/hN88uXuqaA">pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986620981870579713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people.&nbsp;

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The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy <a href="https://t.co/L5exZsm5kO">pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986616670142844929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British PM Theresa May discussed the issue of economic offenders during their meeting today. According to sources, both the leaders raised the issue of economic offenders, like Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi, who have sought refuge in the UK. Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, during a press briefing, confirmed that the issue of economic offenders was also raised during the meet. "The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised," Gokhale said. Mallya is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case in the country. He left India after defaulting on loans that run into hundreds of crores. India has submitted more than thousand pages dossier in the London court as part of the evidence against Mallya. Modi and May also agreed to strengthen cooperation and take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. During PM Modi & British PM Theresa May's discussion on economic offenders, the case of Vijay Mallya was also discussed, say sources. pic.twitter.com/hN88uXuqaA — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and UK agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. The issue of economic offenders was also raised & this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals & students & the like.Views were also exchanged on current international & multilateral issues: Foreign Secy pic.twitter.com/L5exZsm5kO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × PM Modi met UK prime minister Theresa May at her official residence in 10 Downing Street and discussed a range of issues. (With inputs from agencies)

India, UK discussed economic offenders like Vijay Mallya taking refuge in Britain: Sources

Former ‘King of Good Times’ liquor baron Vijay Mallya is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-king-of-good-times-vijay-mallya-to-get-married-to-girlfriend-pinky-lalwani-126809">reportedly set to tie the knot with longtime girlfriend Pinky Lalwani</a> in London.&nbsp;

If you look at a picture of them together, the age difference is pretty much evident as the 62-year-old Mallya will tie the knot with a much younger Lalwani.&nbsp;

The couple met in 2011 when Lalwani was hired by Mallya for the now-defunct Kingfisher airlines. If marriage reports are true, this will be the third marriage for Mallya even though his marriage with second wife is still on.&nbsp;

The connection between Mallya’s soon-to-be bride and first wife is quite uncanny as they both served in the aviation industry as air hostesses. The first wife was Sameera Tyabjee and second wife (who he is still legally married to) is Rekha Mallya, a childhood friend. He has three kids from his previous marriages, a son named Siddharth and two daughters, Leanna and Tanya.

Mallya and Lalwani are dating since they set their eyes on each other. Reportedly, the two even celebrated third anniversary of their relationship. It is said that both were living together since long.&nbsp;

The former liquor baron is currently facing charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. He is on bail until April 2 on a bond of 650,000 pounds.

This will be the third marriage for Vijay Mallya even though his marriage with the second wife is not annulled

Former ‘King of Good Times’ liquor baron Vijay Mallya is reportedly set to tie the knot with longtime girlfriend Pinky Lalwani in London. If you look at a picture of them together, the age difference is pretty much evident as the 62-year-old Mallya will tie the knot with a much younger Lalwani. The couple met in 2011 when Lalwani was hired by Mallya for the now-defunct Kingfisher airlines. If marriage reports are true, this will be the third marriage for Mallya even though his marriage with second wife is still on. The connection between Mallya’s soon-to-be bride and first wife is quite uncanny as they both served in the aviation industry as air hostesses. The first wife was Sameera Tyabjee and second wife (who he is still legally married to) is Rekha Mallya, a childhood friend. He has three kids from his previous marriages, a son named Siddharth and two daughters, Leanna and Tanya. Mallya and Lalwani are dating since they set their eyes on each other. Reportedly, the two even celebrated third anniversary of their relationship. It is said that both were living together since long. The former liquor baron is currently facing charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores. He is on bail until April 2 on a bond of 650,000 pounds.

Meet Pinky Lalwani, Vijay Mallya's going-to-be third wife

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-case-uk-judge-says-obvious-indian-banks-broke-rules-36097">Vijay Mallya</a>, popularly referred to as the ‘King of Good Times’ who was believed to be going through a rough patch owing to his loan fraud with Indian banks and money laundering issues, is after all not having such a bad time in the UK.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Vijay Mallya is set to tie the knot with current girlfriend Pinky Lalwani, a former air hostess. The two were spotted together recently celebrating their anniversary in mid-March, reinforcing their commitment to one another.&nbsp;

<img alt="Vijay Mallya with girlfriend Pinky Lalwani and son Siddharth Mallya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6199595-05d4-493d-9ece-f767b1b08884" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vijay%20mallya%20son.jpg" />

The two had started dating in 2011 when Mallya offered Lalwani a job as a flight attendant. They were frequently spotted together after that.

Lalwani has been seen constantly by Mallya’s side, most recent being during the extradition case at Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

<img alt="Vijay Mallya and Pinky Lalwani" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7e1aa2e-1bee-4926-8cee-d0e5042b54a7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vijay%20mallya.jpg" />

This will be Mallya’s third marriage as he was previously married to Sameera Tyabjee from 1986-87 and Rekha Mallya from 1993 to whom he is still legally married. He has three children from his two marriages, Siddharth, Leanna and Tanya.

Mallya is currently<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-declared-proclaimed-offender-by-delhi-court-28547"> absconding from the country on charges of fraud and money laundering</a> related to his erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines in debt of several Indian banks to an amount of almost 9,000 crore.&nbsp;

Mallya is since on a self-imposed exile in the UK since he left India on March 2, 2016.&nbsp;

Vijay Mallya, popularly referred to as the ‘King of Good Times’ who was believed to be going through a rough patch owing to his loan fraud with Indian banks and money laundering issues, is after all not having such a bad time in the UK. Reportedly, Vijay Mallya is set to tie the knot with current girlfriend Pinky Lalwani, a former air hostess. The two were spotted together recently celebrating their anniversary in mid-March, reinforcing their commitment to one another. The two had started dating in 2011 when Mallya offered Lalwani a job as a flight attendant. They were frequently spotted together after that. Lalwani has been seen constantly by Mallya’s side, most recent being during the extradition case at Westminster Magistrates Court in London. This will be Mallya’s third marriage as he was previously married to Sameera Tyabjee from 1986-87 and Rekha Mallya from 1993 to whom he is still legally married. He has three children from his two marriages, Siddharth, Leanna and Tanya. Mallya is currently absconding from the country on charges of fraud and money laundering related to his erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines in debt of several Indian banks to an amount of almost 9,000 crore. Mallya is since on a self-imposed exile in the UK since he left India on March 2, 2016.

Former 'King of Good Times' Vijay Mallya to get married to girlfriend Pinky Lalwani

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-xi-kim-meeting-trump-says-north-korean-leader-will-do-what-is-right-for-his-people-and-for-humanity-126805">After Xi, Kim meeting, Trump says North Korean leader 'will do what is right for his people and for humanity'</a>

As Kim Jong Un met China's President Xi in Beijing in a secret, President Trump in a tweet said the North Korean leader will do "what is right and move toward peace".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbse-exam-paper-leak-pm-modi-asks-hrd-minister-to-take-strict-action-126790">CBSE exam paper leak: PM Modi asks HRD minister to take 'strict action'</a>

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be reconducting the Economics exam for Class XII and Mathematics exam for Class X after reports of paper leak surfaced.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/king-of-good-times-vijay-mallya-to-get-married-to-girlfriend-pinky-lalwani-126809">'King of Good Times' Vijay Mallya to get married to girlfriend Pinky Lalwani</a>

Vijay Mallya, popularly referred to as the ‘King of Good Times’ who was believed to be going through a rough patch owing to his loan fraud with Indian banks and money laundering issues, is after all not having such a bad time in the UK.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/israels-el-al-appeals-against-air-india-flights-over-saudi-arabia-126815">Israel's El Al appeals against Air India flights over Saudi</a>

Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/now-bcci-snubs-smith-warner-over-ball-tampering-126786">Now, BCCI snubs Smith, Warner over ball-tampering</a>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-introduce-new-privacy-controls-in-wake-of-data-scandal-126804">Facebook to introduce new privacy controls in wake of data scandal</a>

Facebook, embroiled in a huge data scandal which has wiped off over $100 billion in its market value, on Wednesday announced a series of privacy changes it was making to give users more control over their data.

After Xi, Kim meeting, Trump says North Korean leader 'will do what is right for his people and for humanity' As Kim Jong Un met China's President Xi in Beijing in a secret, President Trump in a tweet said the North Korean leader will do "what is right and move toward peace". CBSE exam paper leak: PM Modi asks HRD minister to take 'strict action' The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will be reconducting the Economics exam for Class XII and Mathematics exam for Class X after reports of paper leak surfaced. 'King of Good Times' Vijay Mallya to get married to girlfriend Pinky Lalwani Vijay Mallya, popularly referred to as the ‘King of Good Times’ who was believed to be going through a rough patch owing to his loan fraud with Indian banks and money laundering issues, is after all not having such a bad time in the UK. Israel's El Al appeals against Air India flights over Saudi Israel's national airline El Al appealed to the Supreme Court on Wednesday to cancel the authorisation of direct Air India flights between New Delhi and Tel Aviv via Saudi airspace fearing financial damage to it and view it as aerial discrimination. Now, BCCI snubs Smith, Warner over ball-tampering The Board of Control for Cricket in India has removed Steve Smith and David Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League and said that the franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad, will get the replacements. Facebook to introduce new privacy controls in wake of data scandal Facebook, embroiled in a huge data scandal which has wiped off over $100 billion in its market value, on Wednesday announced a series of privacy changes it was making to give users more control over their data.

WION evening news brief, March 28, 2018

Addressing&nbsp;the Holi Milan Samaroh in Lucknow on Saturday&nbsp;Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the opposition about who sanctioned loans to fugitives Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and others.&nbsp;

He said, &quot;the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place&quot;.

He also highlighted at the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill that was recently introduced&nbsp;in the Parliament earlier this month.

He said,&quot;&nbsp;Our government prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament&quot;

He added that through the bill the government will seize the property of economic offenders who flee abroad.

Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 was proposed to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets.&nbsp;

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Bank fraud ke kuch maamle aa rahe hain. To kehna shuru kiya ki saab ye 2-3 log jo bahar chale gaye hain- Mallya, Nirav Modi aur kaun-kaun, BJP ki sarkaar ne inko bhagwa diya hai. Main puchna chahta hoon, inko jo paisa mila wo kahan se mila? Kisne dilwaya?: Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/BmzcwuO1yW">pic.twitter.com/BmzcwuO1yW</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975195597253828609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Our Govt prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament, this bill means economic offenders who flee abroad, their property can be seized by the Govt: Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/sWw193Ohn4">pic.twitter.com/sWw193Ohn4</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975195600290533376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rajnath Singh said, 'the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place'

Addressing the Holi Milan Samaroh in Lucknow on Saturday Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the opposition about who sanctioned loans to fugitives Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and others. He said, "the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place". He also highlighted at the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill that was recently introduced in the Parliament earlier this month. He said," Our government prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament" He added that through the bill the government will seize the property of economic offenders who flee abroad. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 was proposed to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets. Bank fraud ke kuch maamle aa rahe hain. To kehna shuru kiya ki saab ye 2-3 log jo bahar chale gaye hain- Mallya, Nirav Modi aur kaun-kaun, BJP ki sarkaar ne inko bhagwa diya hai. Main puchna chahta hoon, inko jo paisa mila wo kahan se mila? Kisne dilwaya?: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/BmzcwuO1yW — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Our Govt prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament, this bill means economic offenders who flee abroad, their property can be seized by the Govt: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/sWw193Ohn4 — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 ×

Who sanctioned loans to Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya in first place: Rajnath Singh

The British judge hearing the extradition case of liquor baron&nbsp;Vijay Mallya&nbsp;today said that it was &quot;blindingly obvious&quot; that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile&nbsp;Kingfisher Airlines.

Presiding over a hearing at Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court in London, Judge Emma Arbuthnot described the case as a &quot;jigsaw puzzle&quot; with different pieces of &quot;massive evidence&quot; to be put together to paint a picture, which she said she was now able to see &quot;more clearly&quot; than a few months ago. 
 
&quot;There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans],&quot; she said, &quot;inviting&quot; the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the &quot;conspiracy&quot; point against Mallya. 
 
The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock. 
 
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, laid out their arguments against the defence calling into question the admissibility of some of evidence submitted by the Indian authorities. 
 
Pointing out that Mallya had &quot;chosen not to give evidence&quot; in the case, CPS counsel Mark Summers rejected the defence claims on the evidence as &quot;nonsense&quot;. 
 
&quot;The government of India has established by other copious evidence a prima facie case of fraud,&quot; he said. 
 
The judge is expected to rule on the admissibility of evidence and set a timeframe for her final verdict. However, the matter could be delayed over further clarifications required on the source of some of the emails submitted as evidence by the Indian authorities. 
 
Mallya&#39;s counsel, Clare Montgomery, argued that evidence that was claimed as a &quot;blueprint of dishonesty&quot; by the CPS was in fact privileged conversation between Mallya and his lawyer about &quot;legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation&quot; and hence should be inadmissible. 
 
On a separate category of evidence presented by the Indian government, Mallya&#39;s team questioned the reliability of investigating officers in the case and pointed to over 150 pages of &quot;near identical material&quot; purporting to be statement of witnesses taken under Section 161 of the Indian CrPC. 
 
&quot;They do not appear to be in any way an account of things that witnesses would have said but rather seem to be somebody else&#39;s analysis put into the mouths of the witnesses, down to the spelling mistakes,&quot; Montgomery said, adding that the documents were &quot;identically reproduced&quot; with not only the same words but also the same typing errors. 
 
The judge did not seem to be convinced by this argument and said she had found only two-three cases of mistakes but did not see a &quot;problem&quot; in the preparation of the statements. 
 
Judge Arbuthnot had also sought further clarifications related to availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from&nbsp;Britain. 
 
The CPS indicated to the judge that the government had provided all the necessary clarifications along with photographs of the two cells that comprise Barrack 12. 
 
The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the tycoon, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove that there are no &quot;bars to extradition&quot; and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines&#39; alleged default of loans from a consortium of Indian banks.

The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented confirms &quot;dishonesty&quot; on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. 
 
Mallya&#39;s defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no &quot;fraudulent&quot; intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India.

Mallya was arrested by&nbsp;Scotland Yard&nbsp;on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has been out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds. Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot is expected to pronounce her verdict in the case by May this year. 
 
If she rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya&#39;s extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the chief magistrate&#39;s verdict.

&nbsp;

The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock

The British judge hearing the extradition case of liquor baron Vijay Mallya today said that it was "blindingly obvious" that rules were being broken by Indian banks which sanctioned some of the loans to the erstwhile Kingfisher Airlines. Presiding over a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Judge Emma Arbuthnot described the case as a "jigsaw puzzle" with different pieces of "massive evidence" to be put together to paint a picture, which she said she was now able to see "more clearly" than a few months ago. "There are clear signs that the banks seem to have gone against their own guidelines [in sanctioning some of the loans]," she said, "inviting" the Indian authorities to explain the case against some of the bank officials involved because that relates to the "conspiracy" point against Mallya. The 62-year-old businessman, who is on trial for the UK court to rule if he can be extradited to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crores, watched the proceedings from the dock. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, laid out their arguments against the defence calling into question the admissibility of some of evidence submitted by the Indian authorities. Pointing out that Mallya had "chosen not to give evidence" in the case, CPS counsel Mark Summers rejected the defence claims on the evidence as "nonsense". "The government of India has established by other copious evidence a prima facie case of fraud," he said. The judge is expected to rule on the admissibility of evidence and set a timeframe for her final verdict. However, the matter could be delayed over further clarifications required on the source of some of the emails submitted as evidence by the Indian authorities. Mallya's counsel, Clare Montgomery, argued that evidence that was claimed as a "blueprint of dishonesty" by the CPS was in fact privileged conversation between Mallya and his lawyer about "legal advice in clear contemplation of litigation" and hence should be inadmissible. On a separate category of evidence presented by the Indian government, Mallya's team questioned the reliability of investigating officers in the case and pointed to over 150 pages of "near identical material" purporting to be statement of witnesses taken under Section 161 of the Indian CrPC. "They do not appear to be in any way an account of things that witnesses would have said but rather seem to be somebody else's analysis put into the mouths of the witnesses, down to the spelling mistakes," Montgomery said, adding that the documents were "identically reproduced" with not only the same words but also the same typing errors. The judge did not seem to be convinced by this argument and said she had found only two-three cases of mistakes but did not see a "problem" in the preparation of the statements. Judge Arbuthnot had also sought further clarifications related to availability of natural light and medical assistance at Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where Mallya is to be held if he is extradited from Britain. The CPS indicated to the judge that the government had provided all the necessary clarifications along with photographs of the two cells that comprise Barrack 12. The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4, is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the tycoon, who has been based in the UK since he left India in March 2016. It also seeks to prove that there are no "bars to extradition" and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' alleged default of loans from a consortium of Indian banks. The CPS, representing the Indian government, has argued that the evidence they have presented confirms "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman and that there are no bars to him being extradited from the UK to face Indian courts. Mallya's defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to claim he had no "fraudulent" intentions and that he is unlikely to get a fair trial in India. Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant in April 2017 and has been out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds. Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot is expected to pronounce her verdict in the case by May this year. If she rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the chief magistrate's verdict.

Vijay Mallya case: UK judge says 'obvious' Indian banks broke rules

A 93 million dollars superyacht of liquor baron Vijay Mallya was seized in Malta after he failed to pay more than one million dollars in wages to the crew members.

The 95-meter Indian Empress of Mallya was boarded by the port officials and was blocked from leaving the port as part of the legal action against him, reported the Guardian.

As per reports, more than 40 crew members, which include several Indians, Britons, and eastern European workers, have not been paid since last September.

The Yacht has been seized in a &#39;maritime lien&#39; giving the crew claim over the vessel to the value of the unpaid wages.

&quot;Our members onboard gave their employer and the shipowner multiple opportunities to pay monthly wages, displaying a loyalty and restraint greater than many would show in such situations,&quot; said strategic organiser of the maritime union Nautilus International Danny McGowan.

McGowan informed that the union has recovered secured 615,000 dollars from the vessel&#39;s insurers under the International Maritime Labour Convention, but the still a large amount is to be paid.

No comment on the same has been received yet in the matter from Mallya, the Guardian reported.

Mallya&#39;s much of the assets in India and elsewhere have been either seized or frozen as he faces charges of money laundering and defrauding a consortium of Indian banks to the tune of more than Rs 9000 crores.

The case is currently being heard at Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court.

The trial is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the 61-year-old embattled businessman, who has been based in the UK since March 2016.

In April last year, Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant. He is out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds.

Apart from this case, the High Court of London on February 12 ordered Mallya to pay an estimated USD 90 million to a Singapore-based aircraft leasing company in claims.

The case involves a number of aircraft leased by Vijay Mallya&#39;s now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines from BOC Aviation in 2014.

Mallya is among 53 persons, who are facing prosecution complaints from the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and they are absconding, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in July last year.

The 95-meter Indian Empress of Mallya was boarded by the port officials and was blocked from leaving the port as part of the legal action against him, reported the Guardian.

A 93 million dollars superyacht of liquor baron Vijay Mallya was seized in Malta after he failed to pay more than one million dollars in wages to the crew members. The 95-meter Indian Empress of Mallya was boarded by the port officials and was blocked from leaving the port as part of the legal action against him, reported the Guardian. As per reports, more than 40 crew members, which include several Indians, Britons, and eastern European workers, have not been paid since last September. The Yacht has been seized in a 'maritime lien' giving the crew claim over the vessel to the value of the unpaid wages. "Our members onboard gave their employer and the shipowner multiple opportunities to pay monthly wages, displaying a loyalty and restraint greater than many would show in such situations," said strategic organiser of the maritime union Nautilus International Danny McGowan. McGowan informed that the union has recovered secured 615,000 dollars from the vessel's insurers under the International Maritime Labour Convention, but the still a large amount is to be paid. No comment on the same has been received yet in the matter from Mallya, the Guardian reported. Mallya's much of the assets in India and elsewhere have been either seized or frozen as he faces charges of money laundering and defrauding a consortium of Indian banks to the tune of more than Rs 9000 crores. The case is currently being heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The trial is aimed at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the 61-year-old embattled businessman, who has been based in the UK since March 2016. In April last year, Mallya was arrested by Scotland Yard on an extradition warrant. He is out on bail on a bond worth 650,000 pounds. Apart from this case, the High Court of London on February 12 ordered Mallya to pay an estimated USD 90 million to a Singapore-based aircraft leasing company in claims. The case involves a number of aircraft leased by Vijay Mallya's now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines from BOC Aviation in 2014. Mallya is among 53 persons, who are facing prosecution complaints from the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and they are absconding, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said in July last year.

Mallya's superyacht confiscated over wage dispute

Finance minister Arun Jaitley said today that the Cabinet has cleared the National Financial Reporting Authority(NFRA).

New and old cases of persons who have fled the country to avoid prosecution will be covered by the new Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, the finance minister informed.

&quot;Courts may declare anyone fugitive if he flees the country to avoid arrest in a scheduled offence where arrest warrant has been issued,&quot; the finance minister said.

Jaitley added that all assets, not just proceeds of crime, will be confiscated of an offender fleeing the country, asserting that the offender &quot;cannot pursue any civil case.&quot;

&quot;National Financial Reporting Authority will apply to auditing responsibilities pertaining to listed companies and unlisted large companies,&quot; the finance minister declared.

NFRA&nbsp;will be an oversight body over auditors, he said.

Jaitley added that all assets, not just proceeds of crime, will be confiscated of an offender fleeing the country

Finance minister Arun Jaitley said today that the Cabinet has cleared the National Financial Reporting Authority(NFRA). New and old cases of persons who have fled the country to avoid prosecution will be covered by the new Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, the finance minister informed. "Courts may declare anyone fugitive if he flees the country to avoid arrest in a scheduled offence where arrest warrant has been issued," the finance minister said. Jaitley added that all assets, not just proceeds of crime, will be confiscated of an offender fleeing the country, asserting that the offender "cannot pursue any civil case." "National Financial Reporting Authority will apply to auditing responsibilities pertaining to listed companies and unlisted large companies," the finance minister declared. NFRA will be an oversight body over auditors, he said.

Govt unveils new Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a Delhi-based diamond <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-diamond-exporter-booked-for-rs-389-crore-obc-loan-fraud-33878">jewellery exporter being booked</a> for an alleged bank loan fraud worth Rs 389.85 crore.

The Congress president wrote on Twitter that another scam had erupted under PM Modi&#39;s &quot;Jan Dhan Loot Yojana&quot; which had the same modus operandi as the 11,400 crore scam involving jewellery designer Nirav Modi -- fake LoUs (Letters of Undertaking).&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi further alleged that like liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is accused of financial crimes and faces extradition from UK and Nirav Modi, &quot;this promoter too has disappeared while the government looked the other way.&quot;

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Under Modi Ji&#39;s &quot;Jan Dhan Loot Yojana&quot;, another scam! 
 
390 Cr., involving a Delhi based jeweller. Same Modus operandi as Nirav Modi. Fake LOU&#39;s. 
 
Predictably, like Mallya and Nirav, this promoter too has disappeared while the Govt looked the other way.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiRobsIndia?
src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiRobsIndia</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/967330168007163905?
ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Kapil Sibal today questioned why people like Nirav Modi, who were indulging in the banking scam, were &quot;allowed to escape the country&quot;.

&quot;Country has faced a loss of around Rs 21,000 crore as of now and other banking frauds will also come out in a few days. Another Rs 390 crore OBC (Oriental Bank of Commerce) scam has also emerged.

&quot;I am surprised that despite our prime minister being the most expensive &#39;chowkidar&#39; (watchman), why are all these (banking frauds) happening under his nose,&quot; Sibal told a press conference here, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his refrain during poll rallies that he would act as a watchman for the country.

The Congress president wrote on Twitter that another scam had erupted under PM Modi's 'Jan Dhan Loot Yojana'

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a Delhi-based diamond jewellery exporter being booked for an alleged bank loan fraud worth Rs 389.85 crore. The Congress president wrote on Twitter that another scam had erupted under PM Modi's "Jan Dhan Loot Yojana" which had the same modus operandi as the 11,400 crore scam involving jewellery designer Nirav Modi -- fake LoUs (Letters of Undertaking). Rahul Gandhi further alleged that like liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who is accused of financial crimes and faces extradition from UK and Nirav Modi, "this promoter too has disappeared while the government looked the other way." Under Modi Ji's "Jan Dhan Loot Yojana", another scam! 390 Cr., involving a Delhi based jeweller. Same Modus operandi as Nirav Modi. Fake LOU's. Predictably, like Mallya and Nirav, this promoter too has disappeared while the Govt looked the other way.#ModiRobsIndia — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 24, 2018 × Congress leader Kapil Sibal today questioned why people like Nirav Modi, who were indulging in the banking scam, were "allowed to escape the country". "Country has faced a loss of around Rs 21,000 crore as of now and other banking frauds will also come out in a few days. Another Rs 390 crore OBC (Oriental Bank of Commerce) scam has also emerged. "I am surprised that despite our prime minister being the most expensive 'chowkidar' (watchman), why are all these (banking frauds) happening under his nose," Sibal told a press conference here, taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his refrain during poll rallies that he would act as a watchman for the country.

Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at PM Modi over jeweller scam

The CBI has refused to share details of expenses incurred to bring back to India fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallyas-weekly-living-allowance-increased-from-rs-45-lakh-to-16-lakh-32800">Vijay Mallya</a>, claiming immunity from disclosures under the RTI Act.

Pune-based activist Vihar Dhurve had approached the agency seeking details of expenses incurred by the government to bring back Mallya, wanted in India on charges of Rs 9,000-crore fraud and Modi, who is facing a money laundering probe.

Both Modi and Mallya have denied allegations of wrongdoings.

Mallya had fled the country in March, 2016 after the CBI diluted its lookout circular against him.

The agency has sent its team multiple times to London to pursue an extradition case against the embattled liquor tycoon.

The RTI application was forwarded to the CBI by the Finance Ministry. The agency transferred it to the Special Investigation Team looking after these cases.

In its response to the RTI plea, the CBI said it is exempt from making any disclosures under the RTI Act through a government notification of 2011.

According to Section 24 of the RTI Act, a few organisations are exempt under the transparency law.

However, the Delhi High Court had earlier underlined that organisations listed under Section 24 cannot claim exemption from disclosure if the information pertains to &quot;allegations of corruption and human rights violations&quot;.

The investigating agency claimed immunity from disclosures under the RTI Act

The CBI has refused to share details of expenses incurred to bring back to India fugitive businessmen Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya, claiming immunity from disclosures under the RTI Act. Pune-based activist Vihar Dhurve had approached the agency seeking details of expenses incurred by the government to bring back Mallya, wanted in India on charges of Rs 9,000-crore fraud and Modi, who is facing a money laundering probe. Both Modi and Mallya have denied allegations of wrongdoings. Mallya had fled the country in March, 2016 after the CBI diluted its lookout circular against him. The agency has sent its team multiple times to London to pursue an extradition case against the embattled liquor tycoon. The RTI application was forwarded to the CBI by the Finance Ministry. The agency transferred it to the Special Investigation Team looking after these cases. In its response to the RTI plea, the CBI said it is exempt from making any disclosures under the RTI Act through a government notification of 2011. According to Section 24 of the RTI Act, a few organisations are exempt under the transparency law. However, the Delhi High Court had earlier underlined that organisations listed under Section 24 cannot claim exemption from disclosure if the information pertains to "allegations of corruption and human rights violations".

CBI refuses to disclose expenses incurred in trying to bring back Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi

The London High Court on Tuesday increased absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s weekly living allowance by &pound;13,325, approximately Rs 16 Lakh in India.&nbsp;

The court in its order hiked the allowance from &pound;5,000 (Rs 4.5 lakh) to &pound;18,325 (Rs 16 lakh).

However, the order did not revoke the freeze order on his global assets. &nbsp;

After the hike, Mallya&#39;s weekly allowance equates to the average annual salary of a British school leaver.&nbsp;

&ldquo;If he is used to a luxury lifestyle then the court will not suddenly make him live on &pound;200 (Rs 17,000) a week,&rdquo; said Sarosh Zaiwalla, senior partner at Zaiwalla &amp; Co. LLP London.&nbsp;

&ldquo;He is entitled to legal expenses on top. The judge considers his style of living to reach a fair result,&rdquo; he added.

Meanwhile, the 62-year-old has applied to have the freeze order against his global assets discharged and the registration of the judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Bengaluru dated January 19, 2017 with the English courts, set aside.&nbsp;

A hearing is set to take place at the high court on April 16 and 17.&nbsp;

The DRT judgment, which 13 Indian banks registered with the English courts under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act of 1933 last November, states Mallya owes banks Rs 9,853 crore as of November 22, 2017.&nbsp;

The freeze order is an interim measure until that judgment is enforced.

Earlier this week, Mallya lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims.

The allowance has been increased by £13,325

The London High Court on Tuesday increased absconding liquor baron Vijay Mallya's weekly living allowance by £13,325, approximately Rs 16 Lakh in India. The court in its order hiked the allowance from £5,000 (Rs 4.5 lakh) to £18,325 (Rs 16 lakh). However, the order did not revoke the freeze order on his global assets. After the hike, Mallya's weekly allowance equates to the average annual salary of a British school leaver. “If he is used to a luxury lifestyle then the court will not suddenly make him live on £200 (Rs 17,000) a week,” said Sarosh Zaiwalla, senior partner at Zaiwalla & Co. LLP London. “He is entitled to legal expenses on top. The judge considers his style of living to reach a fair result,” he added. Meanwhile, the 62-year-old has applied to have the freeze order against his global assets discharged and the registration of the judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Bengaluru dated January 19, 2017 with the English courts, set aside. A hearing is set to take place at the high court on April 16 and 17. The DRT judgment, which 13 Indian banks registered with the English courts under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act of 1933 last November, states Mallya owes banks Rs 9,853 crore as of November 22, 2017. The freeze order is an interim measure until that judgment is enforced. Earlier this week, Mallya lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims.

Vijay Mallya's weekly living allowance increased from Rs 4.5 lakh to 16 lakh

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims.

The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates&rsquo; Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014.

&lsquo;No real prospect of defending claim&rsquo;

Justice Picken, in a judgement dated February 5 at the Business and Property Courts of the High Court in London, ruled that &ldquo;the defendants have no real prospect of successfully defending the claim.&rdquo;

The defendants in the claim brought by BOC Aviation in Singapore and BOC Aviation (Ireland) Ltd have been named as Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd.

&quot;We are pleased with the judgement but would not like to comment further at this stage,&quot; said a spokesperson for BOC Aviation in Singapore.

The legal claim relates to a leasing agreement between Kingfisher Airlines and aircraft leasing company BOC Aviation involving four planes, of which three were delivered.

The delivery of the fourth was reportedly withheld due to unpaid amounts due in advance under the lease arrangement. BOC Aviation claims that the security deposit, which is a course of redress in such matters, was also inadequate to cover the payments that Kingfisher was &ldquo;contractually bound&rdquo; to make, resulting in the High Court claim in London.

In his order, Justice Picken awarded BOC Aviation the amount overdue along with interest payments and legal costs, which overall amounts to nearly $90 million.

&quot;The Second Defendant [United Breweries] shall be jointly and severally liable with the First Defendant [Kingfisher Airlines] to pay the Claimants [BOC Aviation] half of the said costs liability,&quot; the court order notes.

There was no immediate response from Kingfisher.

The latest ruling comes weeks before India&rsquo;s extradition case against Mr. Mallya is set to come up for one of its final hearings before Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot on March 16, with a judgment expected in May.

The businessman remains on a 6,50,000-pound bail bond, extended until April 2 at the last hearing in the extradition case in January.

Mr. Mallya had been arrested on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year and has since been appearing for his extradition trial, which opened on December 4 last year to establish if he can be forced to return to India to face charges of fraud and money-laundering involving Kingfisher Airlines&rsquo; default of bank loans worth nearly Rs. 9,000 crores.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms &ldquo;dishonesty&rdquo; on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intention of repaying them.

Mr. Mallya&rsquo;s defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no &quot;fraudulent&quot; intentions.

When the trial returns next month, the judge will hear concluding arguments on the admissibility of some of the evidence presented by the CPS, on behalf of the Indian authorities.

Double whammy

Meanwhile, Mr. Mallya faces parallel litigation around an estimated $1.5-billion worldwide freeze order on his assets.

According to court documents submitted at the UK High Court last year, the claim brought by 13 Indian banks is expected to come up for a two-day hearing in the Queen&rsquo;s Bench Division of the commercial court in England&rsquo;s High Court of Justice some time after April 11.

Now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines to pay Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims. The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014. ‘No real prospect of defending claim’ Justice Picken, in a judgement dated February 5 at the Business and Property Courts of the High Court in London, ruled that “the defendants have no real prospect of successfully defending the claim.” The defendants in the claim brought by BOC Aviation in Singapore and BOC Aviation (Ireland) Ltd have been named as Kingfisher Airlines Ltd and United Breweries (Holdings) Ltd. "We are pleased with the judgement but would not like to comment further at this stage," said a spokesperson for BOC Aviation in Singapore. The legal claim relates to a leasing agreement between Kingfisher Airlines and aircraft leasing company BOC Aviation involving four planes, of which three were delivered. The delivery of the fourth was reportedly withheld due to unpaid amounts due in advance under the lease arrangement. BOC Aviation claims that the security deposit, which is a course of redress in such matters, was also inadequate to cover the payments that Kingfisher was “contractually bound” to make, resulting in the High Court claim in London. In his order, Justice Picken awarded BOC Aviation the amount overdue along with interest payments and legal costs, which overall amounts to nearly $90 million. "The Second Defendant [United Breweries] shall be jointly and severally liable with the First Defendant [Kingfisher Airlines] to pay the Claimants [BOC Aviation] half of the said costs liability," the court order notes. There was no immediate response from Kingfisher. The latest ruling comes weeks before India’s extradition case against Mr. Mallya is set to come up for one of its final hearings before Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot on March 16, with a judgment expected in May. The businessman remains on a 6,50,000-pound bail bond, extended until April 2 at the last hearing in the extradition case in January. Mr. Mallya had been arrested on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April last year and has since been appearing for his extradition trial, which opened on December 4 last year to establish if he can be forced to return to India to face charges of fraud and money-laundering involving Kingfisher Airlines’ default of bank loans worth nearly Rs. 9,000 crores. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms “dishonesty” on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intention of repaying them. Mr. Mallya’s defence team has deposed a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no "fraudulent" intentions. When the trial returns next month, the judge will hear concluding arguments on the admissibility of some of the evidence presented by the CPS, on behalf of the Indian authorities. Double whammy Meanwhile, Mr. Mallya faces parallel litigation around an estimated $1.5-billion worldwide freeze order on his assets. According to court documents submitted at the UK High Court last year, the claim brought by 13 Indian banks is expected to come up for a two-day hearing in the Queen’s Bench Division of the commercial court in England’s High Court of Justice some time after April 11.

Vijay Mallya loses court battle, to pay $90 million to Singapore's BOC aviation

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-warns-against-any-indian-cross-border-raid-after-sunjuwan-attack-32596">Pakistan &#39;warns&#39; India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack</a>

Pakistan warned India against cross-border strikes after Indian authorities blamed Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) for an attack on an Army camp in which soldiers and their families were targeted. Saturday&#39;s attack on the Sunjuwan camp in Jammu was the worst in months, with five soldiers and the father of one of the soldiers killed and women and children among the ten wounded.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-solution-other-than-dialogue-with-pakistan-mehbooba-mufti-32602">No solution other than dialogue with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti</a>

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state. Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be &quot;labelled anti-national by news anchors&quot; for her views.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-gives-employment-to-50000-in-24-hours-india-gives-450-rahul-gandhi-32589">China gives employment to 50,000 in 24 hours, India to 450: Rahul Gandhi</a>

Campaigning for the upcoming polls in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering at Raichur. &quot;When China is creating 50,000 jobs every 24 hours, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite launching &#39;Make in India&#39;, Start up India&#39; and &#39;Digital India&#39;, has only created 450 to 500 jobs in 24 hours,&quot; Rahul Gandhi said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-loses-court-battle-to-pay-90-million-to-singapores-boc-aviation-32611">Vijay Mallya loses court battle, to pay $90 million to Singapore&#39;s BOC aviation</a>

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims. The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates&rsquo; Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-meet-priya-prakash-varrier-internets-latest-crush-32591">Meet Priya Prakash Varrier, the Internet&#39;s latest crush</a>

The weekend saw Internet obsessing over a clip from an upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Lover which features debutant actress Priya Prakash Varrier.&nbsp; Part of a song from the film, the clip has Priya winking and raising her eyebrows at her co-star in the film. And the Internet cannot get enough of her.

Pakistan 'warns' India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack Pakistan warned India against cross-border strikes after Indian authorities blamed Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) for an attack on an Army camp in which soldiers and their families were targeted. Saturday's attack on the Sunjuwan camp in Jammu was the worst in months, with five soldiers and the father of one of the soldiers killed and women and children among the ten wounded. No solution other than dialogue with Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for a dialogue with Pakistan amid the increase in ceasefire violations by the country and a rise in terrorist activity in the state. Mehbooba Mufti said on Twitter that she would be "labelled anti-national by news anchors" for her views. China gives employment to 50,000 in 24 hours, India to 450: Rahul Gandhi Campaigning for the upcoming polls in Karnataka, Rahul Gandhi today targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a gathering at Raichur. "When China is creating 50,000 jobs every 24 hours, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite launching 'Make in India', Start up India' and 'Digital India', has only created 450 to 500 jobs in 24 hours," Rahul Gandhi said. Vijay Mallya loses court battle, to pay $90 million to Singapore's BOC aviation Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya has lost another legal battle linked to his now- defunct Kingfisher Airlines after the UK High Court awarded Singapore-based BOC Aviation an estimated $90 million in claims. The latest case involving the 62-year-old businessman, whose extradition case over alleged loan defaults amounting to around Rs. 9,000 crore returns to Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on March 16, is related to the leasing of aircraft by Kingfisher Airlines dating back to 2014. Meet Priya Prakash Varrier, the Internet's latest crush The weekend saw Internet obsessing over a clip from an upcoming Malayalam film Oru Adaar Lover which features debutant actress Priya Prakash Varrier. Part of a song from the film, the clip has Priya winking and raising her eyebrows at her co-star in the film. And the Internet cannot get enough of her.

WION Evening News Brief, February 12, 2018

The Westminster magistrates&#39; court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case.&nbsp;

The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya&#39;s &pound;650,000 bail.&nbsp;

Mallya was accompanied by his wife Pinky Lalwani and his son Siddharth Mallya.&nbsp;

Questions were raised over Mallya&#39;s&nbsp;admissibility, reliability and evidentiary value of documents submitted by India, in particular, the statements submitted by a wide array of witnesses such as banking officials.

&quot;Many of the documents that the Indian government relies on are unsubstantiated assertions which have been proven to be unreliable or false while others are hearsay or narrative accounts or statements made ex-post facto&quot;, Mallya&#39;s defence counsel Clare Montgomery&nbsp;said.

It was also brought to notice that there were no supporting documents in relation to the IDBI Bank case, which is the main axis on which the extradition trial hinges.

&quot;Some of these statements not only had the same words by the same typos. For example, there are similar anomalies in witness statements made by different individuals weeks apart&quot;, Montgomery said, prompting laughter in the court, much to the discomfiture of representatives of the Indian government.

&quot;Much evidence suggests that officers, in this case, have not behaved in a reliable manner. For instance, they have completely failed to reveal to the court the background of how the lending was approved by various banks, have submitted misleading statements, pro-forma statements and statements that were false&quot;, Montgomery said.

She also pointed to a number of Indian law commission reports that have &quot;unanimously&quot; agreed that investigators often &quot;project&quot; their biases on to witnesses.&nbsp;

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, has been asked to revert to the court by January 22.&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-jails-over-crowded-with-poor-hygiene-mallyas-defence-26778">&nbsp;Indian jails overcrowded with poor hygiene: Mallya&#39;s defence lawyer</a>

The Delhi court on January 4 had declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-declared-proclaimed-offender-by-delhi-court-28547" target="_blank">failed to appear</a> before it despite repeated summons.

Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-trouble-for-mallya-hearing-of-litigation-seeking-to-freeze-usd-15-billion-of-his-assets-next-year-26725" target="_blank">freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets</a>.

(With inputs from ANI)

The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail

The Westminster magistrates' court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya's bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail. Mallya was accompanied by his wife Pinky Lalwani and his son Siddharth Mallya. Questions were raised over Mallya's admissibility, reliability and evidentiary value of documents submitted by India, in particular, the statements submitted by a wide array of witnesses such as banking officials. "Many of the documents that the Indian government relies on are unsubstantiated assertions which have been proven to be unreliable or false while others are hearsay or narrative accounts or statements made ex-post facto", Mallya's defence counsel Clare Montgomery said. It was also brought to notice that there were no supporting documents in relation to the IDBI Bank case, which is the main axis on which the extradition trial hinges. "Some of these statements not only had the same words by the same typos. For example, there are similar anomalies in witness statements made by different individuals weeks apart", Montgomery said, prompting laughter in the court, much to the discomfiture of representatives of the Indian government. "Much evidence suggests that officers, in this case, have not behaved in a reliable manner. For instance, they have completely failed to reveal to the court the background of how the lending was approved by various banks, have submitted misleading statements, pro-forma statements and statements that were false", Montgomery said. She also pointed to a number of Indian law commission reports that have "unanimously" agreed that investigators often "project" their biases on to witnesses. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, has been asked to revert to the court by January 22. Also read: Indian jails overcrowded with poor hygiene: Mallya's defence lawyer The Delhi court on January 4 had declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons. Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets. (With inputs from ANI)

Vijay Mallya's bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/as-iran-nuclear-deal-hangs-in-balance-president-macron-calls-trump-29279" target="_blank">As Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance, President Macron calls Trump</a>

As President Trump mulls over Iran nuclear deal, French President &nbsp;Macron said there should be &quot;strict application&quot; and &quot;importance of all signatories to respect it&quot;. Trump is expected to decide today on providing relief to Iran under the 215 nuclear deal which was signed by former President Obama along with other nations.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallyas-bail-extended-till-april-2-concerns-raised-over-reliability-of-evidence-29276" target="_blank">Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence</a>

The Westminster magistrates&#39; court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya&#39;s bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya&#39;s &pound;650,000 bail.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-do-we-want-people-from-these-shithole-countries-trump-over-immigrants-from-africa-haiti-29278" target="_blank">Lawmakers angry over Trump&#39;s expletive on immigrants</a>

President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned why the United States would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as &quot;shithole countries&quot;. &quot;Why do we want all these people from Africa here? They&#39;re shithole countries ... We should have more people from Norway&quot; he said. He further slammed the need for Haitians in the United States.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-all-set-to-launch-100th-satellite-today-29283" target="_blank">Countdown begins as ISRO gets set to launch 100th satellite today</a>

India is all set to launch its 100th satellite &#39;Cartosat-2 Series&#39; from Andhra Pradesh&#39;s Sriharikota today. The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-cancel-uk-visit-amid-fears-of-mass-protests-report-29282" target="_blank">Trump may cancel UK visit amid fears of mass protests: Report</a>

President Trump may pull out of the visit to Britain next month amid concerns over mass protests when he arrives in London, British media reported. Last month, PM Theresa May&#39;s cabinet minister Sam Gyimah had said he would feel &nbsp;&ldquo;deeply uncomfortable&rdquo; if President Trump&#39;s visit went ahead after May clashed with Trump over US president&#39;s retweets of far-right anti-Muslim propaganda, Britain First.

As Iran nuclear deal hangs in balance, President Macron calls Trump As President Trump mulls over Iran nuclear deal, French President Macron said there should be "strict application" and "importance of all signatories to respect it". Trump is expected to decide today on providing relief to Iran under the 215 nuclear deal which was signed by former President Obama along with other nations. Vijay Mallya's bail extended till April 2, concerns raised over reliability of evidence The Westminster magistrates' court in London on Thursday decided to extend liquor baron Vijay Mallya's bail till April 2 in association with his extradition case. The bail raised concerns over the reliability of evidence provided by India. Judge Emma Arbuthnot has extended Mallya's £650,000 bail. Lawmakers angry over Trump's expletive on immigrants President Donald Trump on Thursday questioned why the United States would want to have immigrants from Haiti and African nations, referring to some as "shithole countries". "Why do we want all these people from Africa here? They're shithole countries ... We should have more people from Norway" he said. He further slammed the need for Haitians in the United States. Countdown begins as ISRO gets set to launch 100th satellite today India is all set to launch its 100th satellite 'Cartosat-2 Series' from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota today. The launch is set for 9:28am on Friday at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Trump may cancel UK visit amid fears of mass protests: Report President Trump may pull out of the visit to Britain next month amid concerns over mass protests when he arrives in London, British media reported. Last month, PM Theresa May's cabinet minister Sam Gyimah had said he would feel “deeply uncomfortable” if President Trump's visit went ahead after May clashed with Trump over US president's retweets of far-right anti-Muslim propaganda, Britain First.

WION Morning News Brief, January 12, 2017

A Delhi court today declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons.

&quot;In view that Vijay Mallya failed to appear before this court within 30 days, and no representation was made on his behalf, he is declared as proclaimed offender,&quot; the court said.

The court had on April 12 last year issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the liquor baron.

Unlike a non-bailable warrant, &#39;open-ended NBW&#39; does not carry a time limit for execution.

On November 4, 2016, while issuing a non-bailable warrant against Mallya, the court had observed he had no inclination to return and had scant regard for the law of the land.

It had said that coercive process has to be initiated against Mallya as he was facing proceedings in several cases and avoiding an appearance in those matters.

The court had also held that Mallya&#39;s plea that he wanted to return to India but was &quot;incapacitated&quot; to travel as his passport had been revoked by Indian authorities, was &quot;malafide&quot; and &quot;abuse of the process of law&quot;.

Mallya, who is reportedly in London, had submitted before the court on September 9 that was &quot;incapacitated&quot; to travel despite &quot;best intentions&quot; as his passport had been revoked.

On July 9, the court had cancelled the exemption from personal appearance granted to Mallya on an application of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and directed him to appear before it on September 9. The exemption was granted to Mallya in December 2000.

The anti-money laundering agency had issued summons to the businessman in connection with alleged payment of USD 200,000 to a British firm for displaying Kingfisher logo during the Formula One World Championships in London and some European countries in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

It had claimed that the money was allegedly paid without prior approval of the RBI in violation of Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) norms.

In its plea against Mallya, the ED had also sought issuance of non-bailable warrant against the chairman of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines to ensure his presence in the ongoing trial of the case, which is at the final stage.

According to ED, Mallya was summoned on four occasions for questioning in connection with a contract signed in December 1995 with London-based firm Benetton Formula Ltd for the promotion of the Kingfisher brand abroad.

When Mallya failed to appear before ED in response to the summons, a complaint was filed on March 8, 2000, before a court here and later charges were framed against him under FERA.

The order was passed after noting that Mallya failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons.

A Delhi court today declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons. "In view that Vijay Mallya failed to appear before this court within 30 days, and no representation was made on his behalf, he is declared as proclaimed offender," the court said. The court had on April 12 last year issued an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the liquor baron. Unlike a non-bailable warrant, 'open-ended NBW' does not carry a time limit for execution. On November 4, 2016, while issuing a non-bailable warrant against Mallya, the court had observed he had no inclination to return and had scant regard for the law of the land. It had said that coercive process has to be initiated against Mallya as he was facing proceedings in several cases and avoiding an appearance in those matters. The court had also held that Mallya's plea that he wanted to return to India but was "incapacitated" to travel as his passport had been revoked by Indian authorities, was "malafide" and "abuse of the process of law". Mallya, who is reportedly in London, had submitted before the court on September 9 that was "incapacitated" to travel despite "best intentions" as his passport had been revoked. On July 9, the court had cancelled the exemption from personal appearance granted to Mallya on an application of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and directed him to appear before it on September 9. The exemption was granted to Mallya in December 2000. The anti-money laundering agency had issued summons to the businessman in connection with alleged payment of USD 200,000 to a British firm for displaying Kingfisher logo during the Formula One World Championships in London and some European countries in 1996, 1997 and 1998. It had claimed that the money was allegedly paid without prior approval of the RBI in violation of Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) norms. In its plea against Mallya, the ED had also sought issuance of non-bailable warrant against the chairman of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines to ensure his presence in the ongoing trial of the case, which is at the final stage. According to ED, Mallya was summoned on four occasions for questioning in connection with a contract signed in December 1995 with London-based firm Benetton Formula Ltd for the promotion of the Kingfisher brand abroad. When Mallya failed to appear before ED in response to the summons, a complaint was filed on March 8, 2000, before a court here and later charges were framed against him under FERA.

Vijay Mallya declared 'proclaimed offender' by Delhi court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-propaganda-exercise-on-jadhav-carries-no-credibility-india-28543" target="_blank">Pakistan&#39;s propaganda exercise on Jadhav carries no credibility: India</a>

As Pakistan released a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-releases-another-video-of-kulbhushan-jadhav-28518">new video of Kulbhashan Jadhav</a>, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was not surprised by the new video asserting that Pakistan was simply continuing to put out &quot;coerced statements&quot; on the video.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-tibetan-language-advocate-on-trial-for-inciting-separatism-28558" target="_blank">China puts Tibetan language advocate on trial for &#39;inciting separatism&#39;</a>

China today put a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-are-tibetan-refugees-doing-as-dalai-lama-celebrates-his-birthday-17626">Tibetan on trial for &quot;inciting separatism&quot;</a>&nbsp;even as rights group denounced the decision as a &quot;sham&quot; after appearing in a New York Times video documentary after he criticised policies related to Tibetan language education.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-earn-the-money-provided-to-fight-terror-us-28533" target="_blank">Pakistan needs to earn the money provided to fight terror: US</a>

At the State Department&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-announce-specific-actions-against-pakistan-28503">spokesperson Heather Nauert said Pakistan&nbsp;</a>needs to show that it is sincere in cracking down on terrorism even as the White House said it would announce new measures against Pakistan on terror-related issues.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fodder-scam-case-got-phone-calls-from-lalus-men-says-judge-28549" target="_blank">Fodder scam case: Got phone calls from Lalu&#39;s men, says judge</a>

As Lalu Prasad appeared in Ranchi court for sentencing in the fodder scam case, the judge told the RJD chief that &quot;he got phone calls from Lalu&#39;s men&quot;. &quot;I got many references for you but don&#39;t worry, I will follow only law&quot;, Special CBI court judge Shivpal Singh said in court on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-declared-proclaimed-offender-by-delhi-court-28547" target="_blank">Vijay Mallya declared &#39;proclaimed offender&#39; by Delhi court</a>

A Delhi court today declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons.

&nbsp;

Pakistan's propaganda exercise on Jadhav carries no credibility: India As Pakistan released a new video of Kulbhashan Jadhav, the ministry of external affairs(MEA) said it was not surprised by the new video asserting that Pakistan was simply continuing to put out "coerced statements" on the video. China puts Tibetan language advocate on trial for 'inciting separatism' China today put a Tibetan on trial for "inciting separatism" even as rights group denounced the decision as a "sham" after appearing in a New York Times video documentary after he criticised policies related to Tibetan language education. Pakistan needs to earn the money provided to fight terror: US At the State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said Pakistan needs to show that it is sincere in cracking down on terrorism even as the White House said it would announce new measures against Pakistan on terror-related issues. Fodder scam case: Got phone calls from Lalu's men, says judge As Lalu Prasad appeared in Ranchi court for sentencing in the fodder scam case, the judge told the RJD chief that "he got phone calls from Lalu's men". "I got many references for you but don't worry, I will follow only law", Special CBI court judge Shivpal Singh said in court on Thursday. Vijay Mallya declared 'proclaimed offender' by Delhi court A Delhi court today declared beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya a proclaimed offender for evading summons in a FERA violation case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Shehrawat passed the order after noting that Mallya failed to appear before it despite repeated summons.

WION Evening news brief, 4 January 2018

2017 has, as always, been a year of paradoxes for the judiciary. The Apex Court driven by the intellectual strength of its judges delivered some phenomenal judgements. Right to privacy was firmly established in our constitutional jurisprudence. In the process, a significant part of the affront involved in Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was corrected. Triple Talaq was not only rightly held to be an unintegral part of Islam but constitutionally untenable, a bold step to take in a country where misogyny often passes off as a divine mandate. Firecrackers were banned, but in the process, the limits of enforcing orders in public interest litigations was exposed. The Indian judiciary though not known for its expeditious disposals, has never the less made significant strides in policy level adjudications and commercial matters. On the other hand, the Talwars were found to have spent time in prison unnecessarily and turns out the 2G spectrum scandal, was not truly a scandal.

We aced the policy challenge but failed to improve our record with trials. Where are we going wrong?

What does Vijay Mally tell us about Indian courts?

The World Bank, in its June 2017 study of the Indian subcontinent, found that in terms of contract enforcement, India ranks 164 in the world with an average time of 1445 days involved in the process coming at a cost of 31% of the value of the claim. In terms of how bad this is, one will see that Iraq ranks 144, twenty ranks better than India with an average time of 520 days involved for the case to be decided,&nbsp;coming at a cost of 28.1% of the claim.&nbsp;

In other words, in Iraq, I can enforce my contract sooner at a cost lesser than in India. No doubt the quality of adjudication appears to be much better in India. At 10.3, India ranked on par with many developed economies. The result,&nbsp;in our experience, is that while litigants secure good verdicts eventually, often their ability to enforce the verdict is frustrated. Thus, while the banks secured good verdicts against Mr. Vijay Mallya, it is too late to enforce them considering he is no longer here by the time the walls could close in.&nbsp;

One can dismiss the troubles of businesses with the judiciary as the superficial complaints of a bourgeoise elite.&nbsp; But the criminal justice system which is the poster child of the ordinary common man&rsquo;s experience with the criminal justice system, things are no better. The concept of a day to day trial as required under Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 remains a distant dream. Time-bound disposals of criminal cases mandated by special laws like the Protection from Children from Sexual Offences Act, 1973 and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, are never achieved.&nbsp;

But what happens after such a long and lengthy trial?

Besides making the accused and victim feel like they are being punished, the result of criminal trials is abysmal. Approximately 76% of sexual assault cases and 94-98% of corruption cases result in acquittal. In private complaints, involving a petty offence like dishonour of cheques, should the accused decide to avoid service of summons by absconding, the probability of the criminal justice system securing his presence is slim to none.&nbsp;

On an assessment of the overall performance of the Indian judiciary, what emerges is that despite the many trials and tribulations, we continue to remain steadfast in our fundamental values and philosophy. However, we are slow to ideate, slower to implement and averse to innovation. To my mind, while the need to increase the number of judges is definitely one solution, the larger solution lies in unlearning and relearning.

The number of judges or quality of judges?

In the N.R. Bhat v. State of Karnataka by CBI, Justice A.V. Chandrashekar introduced the concept of a pre-trial conference by reading it into the day to day trial requirements of Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Such a pretrial conference, taking the judge, the prosecution and the defence into confidence while setting out the days of the trial in advance, would go a long way in arresting frivolous adjournment pleas. The Supreme Court in Vinod Kumar v. State of Punjab, categorically laid down that cross examination of witnesses must be concluded on the very same day of their examination in criminal cases. Putting these two judgements together, a pre-trial conference followed by non-negotiable insistence on concluding the cross-examination of witnesses in criminal cases on the same day as their examination would effectively end the culture of prolonging the trial of criminal cases in India.&nbsp;

I cite these two judgements to highlight an important point, a creative and pragmatic approach is necessary to ensure procedures aimed at fairness don&rsquo;t end up becoming counterproductive. While a fundamental review of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is critical, the example of judicial creativity demonstrated in the N.R. Bhat and Vinod Kumar judgements shows that effective adjudication has less to do with quantity of judges and more to do with the quality of judges.&nbsp;

Furthermore, even before the procedures are fundamentally re-written, I think it is time, we measured the use of our procedures. For example the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 provides room for the court to secure the assistance of family welfare experts in matters involving family disputes. In Australia, visitation orders for children are monitored by outsourced agencies trained and vetted in order to ensure the court has a neutral report of the welfare of the child, making the determination of guardianship and visitation much easier and faster. But in India despite the concept of such outsourced persons and agencies being contemplated in the law, it is seldom utilised. Perhaps the time is ripe for a manual to be provided identifying existing innovations within our law and mandating their use by the court system. &nbsp;

To summarise, our procedures need to be revisited. One part of it involves changing the procedures altogether. But the other part of it involves reading the procedures in a manner which is jurisprudentially sound and yet capable of solving fundamental problems.&nbsp;

Nepotism and poor pay

Commercial courts, though required to be established by law, are yet to begin operations in several states, including Karnataka and their absence has inflicted cynicism in the minds of businesses. Special courts under beneficial legislations like the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012 are nothing but existing courts donning an additional hat under a POCSO Act. What we need is not just special courts, but exclusive courts. In other words, we need exclusivity for our special courts and not just special court status under special legislations.&nbsp;

Secondly, no effort is being made to attract the right talent in our prosecution and government pleader ecosystem. The private sector offers much better compensation packages for the right legal talent and this is as true in India as it is in other countries. However, for those who may consider government service, they will be part of an ecosystem where nepotism remains a problem.

I have had the unfortunate experience of facing government pleaders who oppose much needed medical termination of pregnancies for minor children, simply because they think their job is to oppose every writ petition that comes before the Karnataka High Court. Our Advocate Generals and Solicitor Generals are often the best and the brightest, but the grassroot government pleader and the public prosecutor suffer from poor pay, poorer training and even poorer access to critical resources like staff and case law databases. Unless the government invests money in their careers, in building their capacity and their skill set and training, we can neither expect expeditious disposals nor can we expect more conscious prosecutions and convictions.&nbsp;

Big data and machine learning to nab criminals

Investigation of Criminal cases is fundamentally challenging. Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation with all its sophisticated technology failed to apprehend the Unabomber for close to 17 years. Yet, what ultimately made the apprehension possible was a little-known technique back in the day called forensic linguistics. Based on the letters and publications of the Unabomber, what emerged was a unique approach to language, almost a linguistic signature of the bomber. A profile developed by FBI profiler James Fitzgerald using forensic linguistics ultimately led to the publication of the manifesto of the Unabomber, which was recognised by the Unabomber&rsquo;s younger brother. The result was the identification of Ted Kazynsky as the Unabomber. A Harvard educated mathematician with an IQ of 167, the Unabomber was an Intellectual elite, but even he could not evade the law all because he wrote and spoke in a unique manner.

After the Boston Bombing, when conventional facial recognition software could not provide a clear picture of the accused, an experimental technology of the University of Carnegie-Mellon&rsquo;s Cylab Biometric Center which analysed the low-resolution picture released by the FBI, was able to identify the accused in a controlled experiment. What made this technology work when existing facial recognition software failed? The answer lied in a concept called machine learning, a process by which computers are &ldquo;trained&rdquo; to perform tasks. In this case, the Center&rsquo;s technology was made to analyse thousands of faces in low resolution and high-resolution images, so that it can determine the bridge between low resolution and high-resolution images. The rationale of that bridge is then interpreted in the form of an algorithm which can then be used to develop high-resolution versions of low-resolution images. Image analytics and machine learning combined could greatly enhance the way suspects are identified using facial recognition software.

The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Anthropology at UCLA, USA, published a paper in 2017 highlighting the utilities of using Deep learning methods for real-time crime forecasting. The paper titled &ldquo;Deep Learning for Real Time Crime Forecasting&rdquo; by Bao Wang, Duo Zhang, Duanhao Zhang, P. Jeffrey Brantingham and Andre L. Bertozzi suggests that using deep learning methods, pilot experiments in Los Angeles revealed &ldquo;highly accurate predictive power&rdquo; of the models developed using deep learning methods.

I cite these case studies to make an important point- in India we don&rsquo;t know what we don&rsquo;t know. Forget forensic linguistics or offender profiling, machine learning or deep learning, I am yet to come across investigating officers in my training programmes who have some background in basics of criminal investigation, such as victimology and criminology. In an era of big data and analytics, India&rsquo;s use of statistical methods in crime solving is limited to the National Crime Records Bureau Statistics published every year.&nbsp; But these statistics contain rich information that could throw light into patterns, motivational classification for criminals, modus operandis and signatures in crimes, etc.

Machine learning and Deep Learning methods can enhance facial recognition software, enabling us to identify suspects from CCTV camera footage much faster and better. Analytics methods can help us reverse engineers crime scenes and victimology to determine the age profile, job profile and psychological characteristics of the suspect involved in the crime. Yet, we remain leaps behind in leveraging the full power of data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, behavioural sciences and artificial intelligence in investigating and prosecuting criminals in this country.&nbsp;

The need of the hour is to do away with the age-old classification of law and order, crime and traffic within the police and instead have a dedicated investigation cadre with further specialisation in specific offences like homicide, sexual assault, robbery, theft, etc. A dedicated think tank is necessary within law enforcement circles to explore the use of data analytics, behavioural sciences and other modern technologies to aid the investigator in deciphering clues and apprehending suspects. Unless we fundamentally redo investigating agencies in this country, conviction rates are unlikely to go up nor will we find closure in many critical cases.&nbsp;

A better Indian justice system in 2018?

The problems within the judiciary in the year 2017 are not fundamentally different from the problems faced by the judiciary in 1997 or 2015 even. Overworked, underpaid, delayed disposals and poor conviction rates have remained the common themes associated with our justice system. Yet, we have remained slow and unwilling to accept the problems in our fundamentals. In the year, 2018 I hope that as a population we move away from demanding different laws and instead petition for a reformed system. As proud as I am of all that we do every day in the justice system, I have seen the potential to do better, in the good intentions and passion of judges, prosecutors, policemen, lawyers, bench clerks and stenographers among others every day in the court system. Let us enable them to produce results by giving them the right training, tools and manuals. We owe it to them and we owe it to ourselves.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

In the year, 2018 I hope that as a population we move away from demanding different laws and instead petition for a reformed system.

2017 has, as always, been a year of paradoxes for the judiciary. The Apex Court driven by the intellectual strength of its judges delivered some phenomenal judgements. Right to privacy was firmly established in our constitutional jurisprudence. In the process, a significant part of the affront involved in Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was corrected. Triple Talaq was not only rightly held to be an unintegral part of Islam but constitutionally untenable, a bold step to take in a country where misogyny often passes off as a divine mandate. Firecrackers were banned, but in the process, the limits of enforcing orders in public interest litigations was exposed. The Indian judiciary though not known for its expeditious disposals, has never the less made significant strides in policy level adjudications and commercial matters. On the other hand, the Talwars were found to have spent time in prison unnecessarily and turns out the 2G spectrum scandal, was not truly a scandal. We aced the policy challenge but failed to improve our record with trials. Where are we going wrong? What does Vijay Mally tell us about Indian courts? The World Bank, in its June 2017 study of the Indian subcontinent, found that in terms of contract enforcement, India ranks 164 in the world with an average time of 1445 days involved in the process coming at a cost of 31% of the value of the claim. In terms of how bad this is, one will see that Iraq ranks 144, twenty ranks better than India with an average time of 520 days involved for the case to be decided, coming at a cost of 28.1% of the claim. In other words, in Iraq, I can enforce my contract sooner at a cost lesser than in India. No doubt the quality of adjudication appears to be much better in India. At 10.3, India ranked on par with many developed economies. The result, in our experience, is that while litigants secure good verdicts eventually, often their ability to enforce the verdict is frustrated. Thus, while the banks secured good verdicts against Mr. Vijay Mallya, it is too late to enforce them considering he is no longer here by the time the walls could close in. One can dismiss the troubles of businesses with the judiciary as the superficial complaints of a bourgeoise elite. But the criminal justice system which is the poster child of the ordinary common man’s experience with the criminal justice system, things are no better. The concept of a day to day trial as required under Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 remains a distant dream. Time-bound disposals of criminal cases mandated by special laws like the Protection from Children from Sexual Offences Act, 1973 and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, are never achieved. But what happens after such a long and lengthy trial? Besides making the accused and victim feel like they are being punished, the result of criminal trials is abysmal. Approximately 76% of sexual assault cases and 94-98% of corruption cases result in acquittal. In private complaints, involving a petty offence like dishonour of cheques, should the accused decide to avoid service of summons by absconding, the probability of the criminal justice system securing his presence is slim to none. On an assessment of the overall performance of the Indian judiciary, what emerges is that despite the many trials and tribulations, we continue to remain steadfast in our fundamental values and philosophy. However, we are slow to ideate, slower to implement and averse to innovation. To my mind, while the need to increase the number of judges is definitely one solution, the larger solution lies in unlearning and relearning. The number of judges or quality of judges? In the N.R. Bhat v. State of Karnataka by CBI, Justice A.V. Chandrashekar introduced the concept of a pre-trial conference by reading it into the day to day trial requirements of Section 309 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Such a pretrial conference, taking the judge, the prosecution and the defence into confidence while setting out the days of the trial in advance, would go a long way in arresting frivolous adjournment pleas. The Supreme Court in Vinod Kumar v. State of Punjab, categorically laid down that cross examination of witnesses must be concluded on the very same day of their examination in criminal cases. Putting these two judgements together, a pre-trial conference followed by non-negotiable insistence on concluding the cross-examination of witnesses in criminal cases on the same day as their examination would effectively end the culture of prolonging the trial of criminal cases in India. I cite these two judgements to highlight an important point, a creative and pragmatic approach is necessary to ensure procedures aimed at fairness don’t end up becoming counterproductive. While a fundamental review of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is critical, the example of judicial creativity demonstrated in the N.R. Bhat and Vinod Kumar judgements shows that effective adjudication has less to do with quantity of judges and more to do with the quality of judges. Furthermore, even before the procedures are fundamentally re-written, I think it is time, we measured the use of our procedures. For example the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 provides room for the court to secure the assistance of family welfare experts in matters involving family disputes. In Australia, visitation orders for children are monitored by outsourced agencies trained and vetted in order to ensure the court has a neutral report of the welfare of the child, making the determination of guardianship and visitation much easier and faster. But in India despite the concept of such outsourced persons and agencies being contemplated in the law, it is seldom utilised. Perhaps the time is ripe for a manual to be provided identifying existing innovations within our law and mandating their use by the court system. To summarise, our procedures need to be revisited. One part of it involves changing the procedures altogether. But the other part of it involves reading the procedures in a manner which is jurisprudentially sound and yet capable of solving fundamental problems. Nepotism and poor pay Commercial courts, though required to be established by law, are yet to begin operations in several states, including Karnataka and their absence has inflicted cynicism in the minds of businesses. Special courts under beneficial legislations like the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012 are nothing but existing courts donning an additional hat under a POCSO Act. What we need is not just special courts, but exclusive courts. In other words, we need exclusivity for our special courts and not just special court status under special legislations. Secondly, no effort is being made to attract the right talent in our prosecution and government pleader ecosystem. The private sector offers much better compensation packages for the right legal talent and this is as true in India as it is in other countries. However, for those who may consider government service, they will be part of an ecosystem where nepotism remains a problem. I have had the unfortunate experience of facing government pleaders who oppose much needed medical termination of pregnancies for minor children, simply because they think their job is to oppose every writ petition that comes before the Karnataka High Court. Our Advocate Generals and Solicitor Generals are often the best and the brightest, but the grassroot government pleader and the public prosecutor suffer from poor pay, poorer training and even poorer access to critical resources like staff and case law databases. Unless the government invests money in their careers, in building their capacity and their skill set and training, we can neither expect expeditious disposals nor can we expect more conscious prosecutions and convictions. Big data and machine learning to nab criminals Investigation of Criminal cases is fundamentally challenging. Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation with all its sophisticated technology failed to apprehend the Unabomber for close to 17 years. Yet, what ultimately made the apprehension possible was a little-known technique back in the day called forensic linguistics. Based on the letters and publications of the Unabomber, what emerged was a unique approach to language, almost a linguistic signature of the bomber. A profile developed by FBI profiler James Fitzgerald using forensic linguistics ultimately led to the publication of the manifesto of the Unabomber, which was recognised by the Unabomber’s younger brother. The result was the identification of Ted Kazynsky as the Unabomber. A Harvard educated mathematician with an IQ of 167, the Unabomber was an Intellectual elite, but even he could not evade the law all because he wrote and spoke in a unique manner. After the Boston Bombing, when conventional facial recognition software could not provide a clear picture of the accused, an experimental technology of the University of Carnegie-Mellon’s Cylab Biometric Center which analysed the low-resolution picture released by the FBI, was able to identify the accused in a controlled experiment. What made this technology work when existing facial recognition software failed? The answer lied in a concept called machine learning, a process by which computers are “trained” to perform tasks. In this case, the Center’s technology was made to analyse thousands of faces in low resolution and high-resolution images, so that it can determine the bridge between low resolution and high-resolution images. The rationale of that bridge is then interpreted in the form of an algorithm which can then be used to develop high-resolution versions of low-resolution images. Image analytics and machine learning combined could greatly enhance the way suspects are identified using facial recognition software. The Department of Mathematics and the Department of Anthropology at UCLA, USA, published a paper in 2017 highlighting the utilities of using Deep learning methods for real-time crime forecasting. The paper titled “Deep Learning for Real Time Crime Forecasting” by Bao Wang, Duo Zhang, Duanhao Zhang, P. Jeffrey Brantingham and Andre L. Bertozzi suggests that using deep learning methods, pilot experiments in Los Angeles revealed “highly accurate predictive power” of the models developed using deep learning methods. I cite these case studies to make an important point- in India we don’t know what we don’t know. Forget forensic linguistics or offender profiling, machine learning or deep learning, I am yet to come across investigating officers in my training programmes who have some background in basics of criminal investigation, such as victimology and criminology. In an era of big data and analytics, India’s use of statistical methods in crime solving is limited to the National Crime Records Bureau Statistics published every year. But these statistics contain rich information that could throw light into patterns, motivational classification for criminals, modus operandis and signatures in crimes, etc. Machine learning and Deep Learning methods can enhance facial recognition software, enabling us to identify suspects from CCTV camera footage much faster and better. Analytics methods can help us reverse engineers crime scenes and victimology to determine the age profile, job profile and psychological characteristics of the suspect involved in the crime. Yet, we remain leaps behind in leveraging the full power of data analytics, machine learning, deep learning, behavioural sciences and artificial intelligence in investigating and prosecuting criminals in this country. The need of the hour is to do away with the age-old classification of law and order, crime and traffic within the police and instead have a dedicated investigation cadre with further specialisation in specific offences like homicide, sexual assault, robbery, theft, etc. A dedicated think tank is necessary within law enforcement circles to explore the use of data analytics, behavioural sciences and other modern technologies to aid the investigator in deciphering clues and apprehending suspects. Unless we fundamentally redo investigating agencies in this country, conviction rates are unlikely to go up nor will we find closure in many critical cases. A better Indian justice system in 2018? The problems within the judiciary in the year 2017 are not fundamentally different from the problems faced by the judiciary in 1997 or 2015 even. Overworked, underpaid, delayed disposals and poor conviction rates have remained the common themes associated with our justice system. Yet, we have remained slow and unwilling to accept the problems in our fundamentals. In the year, 2018 I hope that as a population we move away from demanding different laws and instead petition for a reformed system. As proud as I am of all that we do every day in the justice system, I have seen the potential to do better, in the good intentions and passion of judges, prosecutors, policemen, lawyers, bench clerks and stenographers among others every day in the court system. Let us enable them to produce results by giving them the right training, tools and manuals. We owe it to them and we owe it to ourselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: What judiciary can learn from Vijay Mallya, Big data and private sector in 2018

The government does not want Air India to become defunct like the Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and wants it to serve the nation, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said on Thursday.

The government does not want anyone working in Air India to lose job, Raju said in the Lok Sabha, adding that the disinvestment process of the national carrier has been initiated.

&quot;Nobody wants anyone to become unemployed. We don&#39;t want Air India to go the Kingfisher (Airlines) way. We want the Air India to serve the nation, to serve the people and fly high,&quot; he said during the Question Hour.

The minister said a ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is looking into the matter of disinvestment of Air India and anyone, including MPs, are welcome to give their suggestions to this panel.

On June 28, the Union Cabinet had cleared disinvestment of debt-laden Air India but the final modalities, including the quantum of stake sale, would be decided by a group of ministers headed by the finance minister.

Surviving on taxpayers&#39; money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think-tank Niti Aayog&#39;s recommendation for complete privatisation, have been made.

The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the erstwhile UPA government in 2012.

The Kingfisher Airlines was established in 2003 by Mallya. The air carrier was suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after it failed to address the regulator&#39;s concerns about its operations.

Kingfisher Airlines also defaulted on loans from various Indian banks amounting to Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya left the country for the UK after failing to repay the debt.&nbsp;

The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the erstwhile UPA government in 2012.

The government does not want Air India to become defunct like the Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and wants it to serve the nation, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said on Thursday. The government does not want anyone working in Air India to lose job, Raju said in the Lok Sabha, adding that the disinvestment process of the national carrier has been initiated. "Nobody wants anyone to become unemployed. We don't want Air India to go the Kingfisher (Airlines) way. We want the Air India to serve the nation, to serve the people and fly high," he said during the Question Hour. The minister said a ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is looking into the matter of disinvestment of Air India and anyone, including MPs, are welcome to give their suggestions to this panel. On June 28, the Union Cabinet had cleared disinvestment of debt-laden Air India but the final modalities, including the quantum of stake sale, would be decided by a group of ministers headed by the finance minister. Surviving on taxpayers' money, Air India has been in the red for long and various proposals, including government think-tank Niti Aayog's recommendation for complete privatisation, have been made. The airline has a debt of more than Rs 52,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the erstwhile UPA government in 2012. The Kingfisher Airlines was established in 2003 by Mallya. The air carrier was suspended by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after it failed to address the regulator's concerns about its operations. Kingfisher Airlines also defaulted on loans from various Indian banks amounting to Rs 9,000 crore. Mallya left the country for the UK after failing to repay the debt.

Government doesn't want Air India to go Kingfisher Airlines way: Civil aviation minister

Vijay Mallya&#39;s defence today fielded a UK-based prison service expert to claim that jails in India are over-crowded with poor hygiene as the defence and prosecution completed submission of all the evidence in the extradition trial of the liquor baron at a UK court here.

The trial will now return in the New Year on January 10 for one of its final hearings to determine the &quot;admissibility&quot; of some of the evidence presented by the Indian government, when Judge Emma Arbuthnot will set a timetable for closing arguments and her ruling on whether Mallya can be extradited to India to face fraud and money laundering charges.

The extradition trial seeks to prove that there are no &quot;bars to extradition&quot; and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines&#39;s alleged default of over Rs 9,000-crore in loans from Indian banks.

As part of heated exchanges on the last day of the hearing for the year today, Mallya&#39;s defence team sought to counter Indian government assurances on how the liquor baron would be treated in jail on being extradited to India.

Mallya&#39;s barrister, Clare Montgomery, deposed Dr Alan Mitchell before the Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court in an attempt to highlight that conditions in Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where the 61-year-old businessman is to be held, were &quot;far from satisfactory&quot;.

Dr Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council?s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, said the assurances given by the Indian government were &quot;general in nature&quot; to state that jail conditions would be &quot;adequate&quot; for Mallya.

&quot;But adequate in the eyes of whom,&quot; Mitchell questioned.

His evidence relied heavily upon his past inspection visit to Alipore Jail in Kolkata and also on an account of the prison conditions in Puzhal Jail in Chennai, from six former British soldiers&nbsp;referred to as the Chennai Six&nbsp;have recently been released.

Mitchell&#39;s account of his telephone conversation with one of the six men, identified only as &#39;Prisoner A&#39; in court, seemed to have caught the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, off guard. 
The CPS has questioned the &quot;unusual&quot; nature of the second-hand narration of an anonymous prisoner?s account of an Indian jail on the &quot;other side of India&quot;.

CPS barrister Mark Summers also pointed out that &#39;Prisoner A&#39; may be using this as a platform to bring a compensation claim against the UK and Indian authorities.

As part of his second-hand account, Mitchell related gruesome details of open defecation, rats, cockroaches and snakes that the Chennai Six allegedly contended within their prison cell in Chennai.

&quot;In one instance, he recalls the deputy superintendent of the jail beating a prisoner with a lathi, for what appeared to be no apparent reason,&quot; Mitchell said.

In his cross-examination, Summers made a reference to how the same prison expert&#39;s testimony had proved critical in the extradition case of alleged bookie Sanjeev Chawla because he was to be lodged in Delhi&#39;s Tihar Jail, which &quot;suffered overcrowding, poor conditions, violence and ill-treatment&quot;.

Chawla has since been discharged on human rights grounds over severe jail conditions by Westminster Magistrates&#39; Court in October.

The CPS sought to highlight that Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai cannot be compared with that situation as Barrack 12 is a self-contained facility, which houses just six people.

&quot;India is a huge country, both in terms of population and size...Some states are more wealthy than others...And conditions in the prisons in any given state can vary greatly from state to state and within a state...,&quot; said Summers.

Dr Mitchell referenced the medical report he had seen on Mallya, which claims he suffers from &quot;diabetes, coronary artery disease and sleep apnea&quot; and those conditions would require regular &quot;monitoring&quot; and a healthy &quot;diet&quot;.

The government of India&#39;s&nbsp;assurances highlight that Arthur Road Jail is staffed with four doctors, with one on duty 24 hours a day, and in addition four nursing assistants.

Mitchell said he was unable to assess the effectiveness of that medical provision in jail as there is no reference to how &quot;many doctors are on duty at one time during the day&quot;. He claimed that a jail of the size of Mumbai Central Jail, which houses around 3,000 prisoners in all, in the UK would be required to have 12 full-time medical staff and 60 nurses.

As part of heated exchanges on the last day of the hearing for the year today, Mallya's defence team sought to counter Indian government assurances on how the liquor baron would be treated in jail on being extradited to India.

Vijay Mallya's defence today fielded a UK-based prison service expert to claim that jails in India are over-crowded with poor hygiene as the defence and prosecution completed submission of all the evidence in the extradition trial of the liquor baron at a UK court here. The trial will now return in the New Year on January 10 for one of its final hearings to determine the "admissibility" of some of the evidence presented by the Indian government, when Judge Emma Arbuthnot will set a timetable for closing arguments and her ruling on whether Mallya can be extradited to India to face fraud and money laundering charges. The extradition trial seeks to prove that there are no "bars to extradition" and that Mallya is assured a fair trial in India over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines's alleged default of over Rs 9,000-crore in loans from Indian banks. As part of heated exchanges on the last day of the hearing for the year today, Mallya's defence team sought to counter Indian government assurances on how the liquor baron would be treated in jail on being extradited to India. Mallya's barrister, Clare Montgomery, deposed Dr Alan Mitchell before the Westminster Magistrates' Court in an attempt to highlight that conditions in Barrack 12 of Mumbai Central Prison on Arthur Road, where the 61-year-old businessman is to be held, were "far from satisfactory". Dr Mitchell, former head of healthcare at the Scottish Prison Service and an elected member of the European Council?s European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, said the assurances given by the Indian government were "general in nature" to state that jail conditions would be "adequate" for Mallya. "But adequate in the eyes of whom," Mitchell questioned. His evidence relied heavily upon his past inspection visit to Alipore Jail in Kolkata and also on an account of the prison conditions in Puzhal Jail in Chennai, from six former British soldiers referred to as the Chennai Six have recently been released. Mitchell's account of his telephone conversation with one of the six men, identified only as 'Prisoner A' in court, seemed to have caught the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, off guard. The CPS has questioned the "unusual" nature of the second-hand narration of an anonymous prisoner?s account of an Indian jail on the "other side of India". CPS barrister Mark Summers also pointed out that 'Prisoner A' may be using this as a platform to bring a compensation claim against the UK and Indian authorities. As part of his second-hand account, Mitchell related gruesome details of open defecation, rats, cockroaches and snakes that the Chennai Six allegedly contended within their prison cell in Chennai. "In one instance, he recalls the deputy superintendent of the jail beating a prisoner with a lathi, for what appeared to be no apparent reason," Mitchell said. In his cross-examination, Summers made a reference to how the same prison expert's testimony had proved critical in the extradition case of alleged bookie Sanjeev Chawla because he was to be lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail, which "suffered overcrowding, poor conditions, violence and ill-treatment". Chawla has since been discharged on human rights grounds over severe jail conditions by Westminster Magistrates' Court in October. The CPS sought to highlight that Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai cannot be compared with that situation as Barrack 12 is a self-contained facility, which houses just six people. "India is a huge country, both in terms of population and size...Some states are more wealthy than others...And conditions in the prisons in any given state can vary greatly from state to state and within a state...," said Summers. Dr Mitchell referenced the medical report he had seen on Mallya, which claims he suffers from "diabetes, coronary artery disease and sleep apnea" and those conditions would require regular "monitoring" and a healthy "diet". The government of India's assurances highlight that Arthur Road Jail is staffed with four doctors, with one on duty 24 hours a day, and in addition four nursing assistants. Mitchell said he was unable to assess the effectiveness of that medical provision in jail as there is no reference to how "many doctors are on duty at one time during the day". He claimed that a jail of the size of Mumbai Central Jail, which houses around 3,000 prisoners in all, in the UK would be required to have 12 full-time medical staff and 60 nurses.

Indian jails overcrowded with poor hygiene: Mallya's defence lawyer

Vijay Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face next year a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets.

According to court documents submitted at the UK High Court, the claim brought by the Indian banks against the 61- year-old embattled liquor baron will come up for a hearing in April next year.

&quot;The First Respondent&#39;s (Mallya) application to set aside the Freezing Injunction is to be set down for hearing on the first available date after 11 April 2018 with a time estimate of 2 days,&quot; states the court document.

The litigation in the Queen&#39;s Bench Division of the commercial court in England&#39;s High Court of Justice lists the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Bank, Punjab &amp; Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd as the applicants.

Mallya and related concerns Ladywalk LLP, Rose Capital Ventures Ltd and Orange India Holdings are listed as respondents.

The claim, dated November 23, relates to a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Karnataka dated January 19 this year, which concluded that Mallya was &quot;liable&quot; to the banks in the sum of INR 62,033,503,879.42 plus interest and as at November 22, that judgment sum is &quot;still unsatisfied as to INR 98,530,512,249.42&quot;.

The &quot;freezing order&quot; involves Mallya and related concerns being &quot;restrained until further order, from removing from the jurisdiction any of their assets in the jurisdiction up to a limit of 1,145,000,000 pounds and in any way disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of their assets whether they are inside or outside the jurisdiction up to the same value&quot;.

The UK court had upheld the Indian court&#39;&#39;s injunction last week and given Mallya&#39;s lawyers more time to respond due to the ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates&nbsp;Court, which is now expected to conclude on December 20.

A ruling in the extradition case is expected a few weeks later, by mid-January.

Meanwhile, Mallya remains on a 650,000-pound bail bond since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April this year.

Since December 4, he has been in court over five days of hearings to establish if he can be forced to return to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering involving his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines&#39;&nbsp;default of bank loans worth nearly Rs 9,000-crore.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms &quot;dishonesty&quot; on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intentions of repaying them.

Mallya&#39;s defence team has been deposing a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no &quot;fraudulent&quot; intentions.

The extradition case returns for one of its final hearings today&nbsp;when Judge Emma Arbuthnot is set to hear the testimony of prisons expert Dr Alan Mitchell, who is expected to critique Indian jail conditions as a potential &quot;bar to extradition&quot;.

The CPS will need to demonstrate a prima facie case to show that the criminal charges against Mallya, for which his extradition is sought, are justified.

The defence, on the other hand, will try and prove that the businessman will not get a fair trial in India because the case against him is &quot;politically motivated&quot;.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mallya remains on a 650,000-pound bail bond since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April this year.

Vijay Mallya, who is undergoing an extradition trial in a UK court over Rs 9,000-crore fraud and money laundering charges, will face next year a parallel litigation brought by 13 Indian banks to freeze nearly $1.5 billion of his assets. According to court documents submitted at the UK High Court, the claim brought by the Indian banks against the 61- year-old embattled liquor baron will come up for a hearing in April next year. "The First Respondent's (Mallya) application to set aside the Freezing Injunction is to be set down for hearing on the first available date after 11 April 2018 with a time estimate of 2 days," states the court document. The litigation in the Queen's Bench Division of the commercial court in England's High Court of Justice lists the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd as the applicants. Mallya and related concerns Ladywalk LLP, Rose Capital Ventures Ltd and Orange India Holdings are listed as respondents. The claim, dated November 23, relates to a judgment of the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in Karnataka dated January 19 this year, which concluded that Mallya was "liable" to the banks in the sum of INR 62,033,503,879.42 plus interest and as at November 22, that judgment sum is "still unsatisfied as to INR 98,530,512,249.42". The "freezing order" involves Mallya and related concerns being "restrained until further order, from removing from the jurisdiction any of their assets in the jurisdiction up to a limit of 1,145,000,000 pounds and in any way disposing of, dealing with or diminishing the value of any of their assets whether they are inside or outside the jurisdiction up to the same value". The UK court had upheld the Indian court''s injunction last week and given Mallya's lawyers more time to respond due to the ongoing extradition trial at Westminster Magistrates Court, which is now expected to conclude on December 20. A ruling in the extradition case is expected a few weeks later, by mid-January. Meanwhile, Mallya remains on a 650,000-pound bail bond since his arrest on an extradition warrant by Scotland Yard in April this year. Since December 4, he has been in court over five days of hearings to establish if he can be forced to return to India to face charges of fraud and money laundering involving his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines' default of bank loans worth nearly Rs 9,000-crore. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), representing the Indian government, has claimed that the evidence they have presented confirms "dishonesty" on the part of the businessman, who acquired the loans through misrepresentation and had no intentions of repaying them. Mallya's defence team has been deposing a series of expert witnesses to try and establish that the default by Kingfisher Airlines was the result of business failure within a wider context of a global financial crisis and that its owner had no "fraudulent" intentions. The extradition case returns for one of its final hearings today when Judge Emma Arbuthnot is set to hear the testimony of prisons expert Dr Alan Mitchell, who is expected to critique Indian jail conditions as a potential "bar to extradition". The CPS will need to demonstrate a prima facie case to show that the criminal charges against Mallya, for which his extradition is sought, are justified. The defence, on the other hand, will try and prove that the businessman will not get a fair trial in India because the case against him is "politically motivated".

More trouble for Mallya: Indian banks file litigation to freeze assets worth $1.5 billion

Supreme Court today <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/repeatedly-said-charges-against-me-fabricated-and-baseless-mallya-25834">rapped the Centre asking the</a> government how could it delay extradiction of liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

India&#39;s top court said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-moves-delhi-court-to-declare-vijay-mallya-a-proclaimed-offender-23711">the Centre&#39;s law officers must </a>explain the reasons behind the &quot;non-cooperation&quot; in Mallya&#39;s extradition.

&quot;How can court&#39;s orders not be taken seriously?,&quot; the court asked the government.

Mallya&#39;s extradition&nbsp;case is currently underway at Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

The UK court is hearing a case related to money laundering and fraud with Mallya owing several Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crores.

Last week, Mallya&#39;s defense lawyer Clare Montgomery had told the court that there was &quot;no evidence&quot; to link Mallya to the fraud charge and he shouldn&#39;t be extradited.

Montgomery during his argument had said that the Indian government&rsquo;s case revealed a &ldquo;shocking lack of appreciation of how companies function&quot;.

Mallya&#39;s defense lawyer also rejected the allegation that senior managers at state-owned lender IDBI were involved in Mallya&rsquo;s plan.

The extradition hearing is expected to last two weeks.

The UK court is hearing a case related to money laundering and fraud with Mallya owing several Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crores

Supreme Court today rapped the Centre asking the government how could it delay extradiction of liquor baron Vijay Mallya. India's top court said the Centre's law officers must explain the reasons behind the "non-cooperation" in Mallya's extradition. "How can court's orders not be taken seriously?," the court asked the government. Mallya's extradition case is currently underway at Westminster Magistrates Court in London. The UK court is hearing a case related to money laundering and fraud with Mallya owing several Indian banks around Rs 9,000 crores. Last week, Mallya's defense lawyer Clare Montgomery had told the court that there was "no evidence" to link Mallya to the fraud charge and he shouldn't be extradited. Montgomery during his argument had said that the Indian government’s case revealed a “shocking lack of appreciation of how companies function". Mallya's defense lawyer also rejected the allegation that senior managers at state-owned lender IDBI were involved in Mallya’s plan. The extradition hearing is expected to last two weeks.

Explain 'non-cooperation' behind Mallya's extradition: Supreme Court to government

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