UK High Court Verdict Allows Authorities To Search Vijay Mallya’s Properties  

UK High Court has delivered a verdict ordering seizure of liquor baron Vijay Mallya's properties in Hertfordshire, near London , PTI has reported. The order permits the officer to enter Mallya's properties. This order can be used to recover dues of Mallya to a consortium of 13 banks , Financial Express has reported. Mr Mallya has been fighting an extradition case on charges of laundering and defaulting 9000 crores of loans secured by his companies. The liquor baron is currently out on bail in the extradition case.

The court order says "The High Court Enforcement Officer, including any enforcement agents acting under his authority, may enter Ladywalk, Queen Hoo Lane, Tewin, Welwyn and Bramble Lodge, Queen Hoo Lane, Tewin, Welwyn, including all outbuildings of Ladywalk and Bramble Lodge to search for and take control of goods belonging to the First Defendant (Mallya)".

Meanwhile, procedures to declare Vijay Mallya a 'fugitive offender' under the recently passed Fugitive Economic Offenders Ordinance. The ordinance empower the government to confiscate properties of an absconding loan defaulter.