UK CPS denies political motivation in Mallya's case, says 'He wasn't suffering from denial of justice in India'

On Monday, India scored a huge diplomatic victory as an UK court ordered extradition of fugitive economic offender Vijay Mallya to India. The former Kingfisher Airline boss, who ran away from the country having defaulted Indian banks to a sum of Rs 9000 crore, was found to have a prima facie against him for fraud, conspiracy and money laundering.

Inside the court, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) successfully argued that the case against the liquor baron wasn't politically motivated, and that he wasn't suffering from denial of justice back in India. Further, the CPS also argued that the courts in India don't do politicians' bidding and aren't corrupt.

READ: Massive Win For India, UK Court Orders Extradition Of Vijay Mallya

In the aftermath of the judgment, Mallya refused to comment. Though, his advocate replied by saying, "Dr Mallya will be carefully considering the Court's judgment and, therefore, it would not be appropriate to make any further comment at this time."

Following the recent judgment, Mallya has a right to appeal against the decision and has 14 days to do so. The verdict would now be referred to the Secretary of State, who shall have two months to decide on his extradition order. Only after the Secretary of State's decision will Mallya's appeal against the extradition be listed for hearing before the High Court. 

The CBI expressed its delight with the court order, and hoped the extradition process will commence soon. "We were confident while pursuing the extradition process. We hope to bring him soon as that the case against him concludes. CBI has its own inherent strength. We worked hard on the case and we are strong on law and facts," CBI spokesperson said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also expressed his pleasure on the recent development and welcomed the judgment by the UK court.