Mallya’s defence team argues Indian jail conditions breach his human rights

The magistrate hearing India’s application for the extradition of Vijay Mallya, the fugitive former head of United Spirits, has requested new light on the conditions in Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail, where he will be held if he loses his fight to stay in Britain.

Specifically Emma Arbuthnot has ordered a video of the amount of natural light reaching the block in which Mallya would be held while awaiting trial on charges of fraud and money laundering.

Mallya’s defence team has argued that there is a lack of natural light, that medical conditions are substandard and that Mallya’s human rights will be contravened if held there. There have also been suggestions that Mallya fears for his life if held in the Mumbai jail.

She has given the Indian authorities until September 12 to produce the evidence of conditions in the jail before she reaches her decision. The formal proceedings began last December following Mallya’s arrest in London in August 2017.

Separately Mallya has lost control of the Force India Formula 1 grand prix team. The company was put into administration by a separate court last weekend.

Mallya held a 42.5% stake in the Silverstone-based team, with a similar stake held by India’s Sahara Group and the remainder owned by a Dutch businessman.

The administration was triggered by Force India’s Mexican driver Sergio Perez, supported by Mercedes, who provides the engines, and team sponsor BWT who were also owed money by the team.

There had been rumours that the team was looking for a new owner, but Mallya had denied it was for sale.

Since fleeing to Britain in March 2016 leaving a trail of debts of more than £1 billion, Mallya has seen his private jet and luxury yacht sold as well as several properties around India as banks seek to recoup unpaid loans. A British court has also upheld an Indian order freezing his assets worldwide.

Mallya has submitted a list of assets to the Indian courts which he says show he is able to repay his creditors with ease. There are also claims that he has offered to return to India in the hope that he will be given bail while awaiting trial.