Non bailable warrant against Mallya in cheque bounce case

06 August, New Delhi

A Delhi Court today issued non-bailable warrant against liquor baronVijay Mallya in a 2012 cheque bounce case. DIAL, the complainant which operates the capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, alleged that a cheque for Rs one crore was issued by Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) on February 22, 2012 and was returned to them a month later, containing remarks ‘fund insufficient’.

DIAL had filed four cases in June, 2012 against Mallya over Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) cheques, totalling Rs 7.5 crore, not being honoured. It is alleged by the complainant that the grounded airline had issued the cheques towards payment for services availed by them at the IGI airport in New Delhi.

Metropolitan Magistrate Sumeet Anand, after hearing the submission of the complainant and looking into the file, said despite repeated orders, Mallya did not appear in the court and it was inevitable for the state machinery to intervene and ensure his presence. The court said coercive steps were required to ensure his appearance.

The Magistrate, after hearing the submission, passed the order that non-bailable warrant be issued against Mallya. The court further directed that non-bailable warrant be sent to him through the Ministry of External Affairs, as he is reportedly in London. The court adjourned the matter for November 4 for further hearing in the matter.