New Delhi, Jan 07: A Delhi court today granted last opportunity to Rajya Sabha MP and chief of UB group Vijay Mallya, facing charges of non-compliance with summons by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case of Fera violation, to appear before it and record his evidence. Observing that Mallya had not appeared before the court on the previous date of hearing too, additional chief metropolitan magistrate V K Maheshwari said defence evidence shall be deemed to be closed if the accused does not turn up on February 7.
The liquor baron, who was allowed to depose as witness for his own defence, had on the previous date of hearing on December 5, prayed for exemption from personal appearance citing parliamentary engagements.
The court had allowed the plea and set today for recording his evidence.
However, Mallya's counsel raised the plea for exemption from personal appearance again today saying he could not reach the capital from Bangalore where he is based.
The court had framed charges against Mallya in August last year, saying there was a "prima facie" evidence against him in the case.
The liquor baron, ED alleged, had violated provisions of Fera while arranging funds for advertising his products abroad in agreement with Benetton Formula Ltd, UK, a few years ago and issued him summons for examination.
However, Mallya denied that he had not complied with the summons.
The UB chief had pleaded "not guilty" and preferred to face trial and contest charges leveled by ED. Bureau Report