NEW DELHI (TIP): Dismissing beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya‘s claim that he is unable to travel back as his passport has been suspended+ by the Indian authorities, the government on Thursday (Sept 15) said any citizen can approach the nearest Indian Embassy or high commission and apply for an Emergency Certificate to return to the country.

Underlining that the Emergency Certificate is specifically meant to provide a travel document to an Indian citizen to return to India, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said this facility is available to Mallya, should he wish to apply for it. “Our position is very clear. Any Indian citizen who is outside India and who does not have a valid travel document for any reason, only has to approach the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission and apply for an Emergency Certificate,” Swarup said when asked about Mallya telling a Delhi court that he wants to come to India but is unable to travel back as his passport has been suspended.

Mallya, who is at present in London, made the submission through his counsel before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in a case lodged for allegedly evading summons in connection with a FERA violation matter. On July 9, the court had cancelled the exemption from personal appearance granted to him and had directed him to appear before it.