London, Sep 12: A UK court on Wednesday reserved its verdict in connection with a extradition case against fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallay for December 10. After the closing arguments, Judge Emma Arbuthnot of the Westminster Magistrate's Court said she will pronounce the verdict in Vijay Mallya's extradition case on December 10.

During the last day of hearing, Mallya's lawyer claimed that IDBI Bank officials were well aware of the losses incurred in the debt-ridden Kingfisher Airlines and reiterated that his client is ready for a comprehensive settlement. Mallya's lawyer said, "The emails from IDBI officials show that the government's accusation of Mallya hiding losses is baseless."

Outside the court, Mallya claimed that he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley before leaving India in 2016. "I had a scheduled meeting in Geneva. I met the Finance Minister before I left... repeated my offer to settle with the banks. That is the truth," he told reporters outside the court. Mallya  is fighting an extradition case filed by Indian authorities.

Mallya, who left India on March 2, 2016, also claimed that he was disliked by both the major parties in India -- the BJP and Congress. "I am a political football... As far as I am concerned, I have made a comprehensive settlement offer before the Karnataka High Court. I hope the honourable judges will consider it favourably." Arun Jaitley Rubbishes Vijay Mallya's Claims, Says 'Never Gave An Appointment For Meeting'.

Ahead of the hearing, Mallya briefly interacted with the reporters outside the court, claiming that his counsel would present a "comprehensive settlement plan" before the bench. Asked if he has the means to repay the debt, the United Breweries chief replied, "Obviously. Why else would I pitch a settlement plan."

Mallya collectively owes an amount of over Rs 9,000 crores to a total of 17 Indian banks. He left the nation in March 2016, shortly after the consortium of lenders moved the court seeking penal action against him.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 07:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).