In a setback to India, the United Kingdom has said that it cannot deport Vijay Mallya to India as he does not own a valid Indian passport.
“The UK government has informed us that under the 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter the UK was conferred. At the same time, the UK acknowledges the seriousness of the allegations and is keen to assist the government of India. They have asked the Indian government to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition”, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
Deportation is an executive action. It is considered to be a quicker process than extradition, where investigating agencies have sufficient evidence to prove the involvement of the person. The accused also has legal options for defending himself under the extradition treaty.
Mr Mallya’s extradition from the UK will be possible only when he is accused, or convicted, of an act recognised as a criminal offence in both countries. The extradition treaty empowers the UK authorities to make provisional arrests in urgent cases. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), which was signed in 1992, extends assistance in the investigation and prosecution of crime and the tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime and terrorists.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Interpol seeking issuance of a red notice against Mr Mallya. The ED had earlier requested the Indian government to initiate deportation proceedings against him after his passport was suspended on the basis of a non-bailable warrant issued against him by a Mum
Author Profile
- India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.
Latest entries
DiplomacyDecember 14, 2024India, Iran and Armenia Advance Connectivity Push with Trilateral Talks in New Delhi- DiplomacyDecember 13, 2024Brazil’s G20 Presidency will focus on tangible results on UNSC reforms, climate action
- DiplomacyDecember 6, 2024India and Vietnam Strengthen Security Ties at 3rd Deputy Ministerial-Level Dialogue
- India and the WorldDecember 6, 2024India and UK Revitalize Strategic Ties at 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi
