Vijay Mallya, the former chairman of Kingfisher Airlines and a figure wanted in India on charges of financial crimes, has expressed his willingness to return to the country, but with a significant condition: the assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence. This statement, made during a recent podcast appearance, marks a notable moment in a long-standing saga involving allegations of fraud, extradition battles, and public perception.
Mallya's offer hinges on the guarantee of due process. Speaking on the "Figuring Out" podcast with Raj Shamani, he stated that if he were assured of a fair trial, he would "absolutely" consider returning to India seriously. This declaration comes after years of legal battles to avoid extradition from the United Kingdom, where he has resided since 2016. He is accused of defaulting on loans exceeding ₹9,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) that were extended to Kingfisher Airlines by a consortium of Indian banks.
Mallya, who was declared a fugitive economic offender in 2019, has consistently denied the charges against him, dismissing them as a "witch hunt." He has publicly apologized for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines, acknowledging the collapse of what was once a prominent symbol of his business empire. However, he has refuted allegations of theft and criminal intent, asserting that the situation is more complex than portrayed.
In the podcast, Mallya addressed the "chor" (thief) tag often associated with him, questioning the basis of the accusation. He pointed out that while he didn't return to India after leaving on a pre-scheduled visit in March 2016, he did not "run away." He argued that his reasons for staying away were valid, but he questioned where the accusation of theft originated.
He highlighted a statement from the Finance Ministry indicating that over ₹14,100 crore had been recovered from him, which is more than double the ₹6,203 crore Debt Recovery Tribunal judgment. He questioned that if he had truly defrauded the banks, how could the government recover such a substantial amount?
Mallya also defended the 2007 acquisition of Air Deccan, stating it was a strategic move to eliminate a market disruptor employing unsustainable pricing strategies. Furthermore, he stated Kingfisher Airlines' biggest contribution was opening several new airline routes.
Mallya's extradition has been a long-fought battle. Although the UK government ordered his extradition in February 2019, Mallya pursued various legal avenues to contest the order in British courts. As of April 2025, the extradition order had not been enforced, with Mallya reportedly resisting on other unresolved bases.
The Indian government has been actively pursuing Mallya's extradition. The matter has even been raised at the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging his UK counterparts to expedite the process.
Mallya's recent statement on his willingness to return to India if assured a fair trial adds a new dimension to this complex situation. While it remains to be seen how the Indian government and the courts will respond, it underscores the importance of due process and the right to a fair trial, even for those accused of serious financial crimes.
