Fugitive Vijay Mallya has arrived to the London court for his extradition hearing. The UK court is likely to decide on whether former Kingfisher Airlines’ chief Vijay Mallya can be extradited to India. 

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Vijay Mallya, 62, fled to London in 2016. The liquor baron faces a case of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore, besides allegations of money laundering and diversion of loan funds.

While all eyes are set on the court, Mallya before his appearing interacted with the media and said that he had filed a comprehensive settlement application before the Karnataka High Court, which is also being heard today.

The extradition trial, which opened at the London court on December 4 last year, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) team, led by Mark Summers, aiming at laying out a prima facie case of fraud against the embattled liquor tycoon.

Recently, Vijay Mallya via Twitter, offered to repay 100 per cent of the amounts to bank. In a series of tweets, Mallya said, "I have offered to repay 100 per cent of the principal amount to them. Please take it". 

The extradition process from the UK involves a number of steps including a decision by the judge on whether or not to issue a warrant of arrest.

In case the London court orders extradition of Vijay Mallya then the liquor baron would have an option to appeal to the higher court. If the verdict goes against extradition, thenthe CBI and the Enforcement Directorate would have to file a fresh appeal within 14 days. 

Only one person has ever been extradited from the UK to India under the extradition treaty between the two countries signed in 1993. Samirbhai Vinubhai Patel, wanted in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, was extradited in October 2016.