LONDON: Fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya's home can be searched and his assets can be seized as a means of recovering the money he owes banks in India in unpaid loans, following an enforcement order by a UK judge.
The enforcement order gives 13 banks the legal option of entering the properties of Vijay Mallya, who is fighting extradition to India on fraud and money-laundering charges.
A UK enforcement officer "may use reasonable force to enter the property if necessary," it says.
The banks can now enforce the Indian court ruling freezing his wealth in England and Wales.
The order allows the UK High Court Enforcement Officer to enter the 62-year-old tycoon's properties in Hertfordshire near London. The officer and his agents can enter Mr Mallya's home in Ladywalk and Bramble Lodge in Tewin, Welwyn. Banks have the option to use the order to recover estimated funds of around Rs. 9,000 crores.
"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)," notes the June 26 order by Justice Byran.
India's extradition case comes up in a UK court on 31 July.