Vijay Mallya Case: Diageo Plc files objections against DRT Order

Bengaluru: British liquor giant Diageo and two of its subsidiaries today filed their objections in the Debt Recovery Tribunal here against its last month order barring liquor baron Vijay Mallya from withdrawing USD 75 million exit payout by it under a sweetheart deal till the disposal of SBI's case against him over loan default.

After submission of the objection copies by Diageo PLC, Diageo Netherlands and United Spirits Ltd (USL), owned by the UK-based firm, which are among the defendants, DRT Judge Benakanahalli posted the matter for next hearing on April 13.

Other defendants, including Kingfisher Airlines Limited gave an undertaking that they would file objections to the DRT's March 7 order later.

DRT had barred Mallya from withdrawing USD 75 million exit payment from Diageo till the disposal of the case over the loan default by Kingfisher Airlines.

It had also restrained Diageo and United Spirits Ltd, owned by the UK-based firm, from temporarily disbursing the amount to Mallya, who worked out the deal under a severance package.

DRT had asked Diageo PLC, Diageo Netherlands and USL to furnish details of the termination agreement between them. The tribunal had also ordered that the amount be attached till the disposal of the original application filed by State Bank of India in 2013.

SBI, which leads the consortium of 17 banks that lent money to the grounded Kingfisher Airlines, had moved DRT here against the airline's chairman Mallya in its bid to recover over Rs 7,000 crore of dues from him.

The state-owned top lender had filed three other applications, including one seeking Mallya's arrest and impounding of his passport, which the judge had said on March? 4 would be heard later.

Mallya had to quit as chairman of United Spirits - a company founded by his family in which he sold majority stake to Diageo. Under the deal, that also ended a year-long boardroom battle at United Spirits, Diageo has agreed to pay Mallya USD 75 million (Rs 515 crore).

Other lenders include Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Federal Bank, Uco Bank and Dena Bank.

As part of the deal, Diageo said it would pay USD 40 million immediately to Mallya with the balance being payable in equal installments over the next five years. It will also absolve Mallya of all liabilities over alleged financial lapses at the company founded by his family. Mallya, accused of fleeing to London, had told the Supreme Court that he would repay over 40 percent of his debts by September.

He has failed to appear for questioning by Enforcement Directorate, which has been investigating his?massive debt liability since he left for London earlier this month.

Other defendants before the DRT are United Breweries (Holdings) Limited, Vijay Mallya, Kingfisher Finvest (India) Ltd, SBICAP Trustee Company Ltd, the Commissioner of Service Tax, Unit Trust of India Investment Advisory Services Limited and Standard Chartered Bank.