UK denies Mallya's deportation request, agrees to consider extradition

The United Kingdom has declined India's request to deport liquor baron Vijay Mallya from the country. However, it has agreed to consider a request for an extradition under a treaty with India.

"Can't deport Vijay Mallya over invalid passport, consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition, UK tells India," ANI quoted the Ministry of External Affairs as saying.

According to reports, the UK has told the Indian authorities that even though Mallya's diplomatic passport has been revoked, he has been staying in UK on a valid visa.

"The UK Government has informed us that under 1971 Immigration Act, the UK does not require an individual to hold a valid passport in order to remain in the UK if they have extant leave to remain as long as their passport was valid when leave to remain or enter UK was conferred. At same time,UK acknowledges the seriousness of allegations and is keen to assist the government of India," MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

"They have asked GoI to consider requesting mutual legal assistance or extradition," Swarup added.