This refers to the report "UBI declares Mallya wilful defaulter" (September 2). The United Bank of India (UBI)'s decision to declare Kingfisher Airlines and its chairman Vijay Mallya wilful defaulters for the non-payment of Rs 400 crore of dues to the bank is a brave move. The grounded airline has come under fire from various quarters for its lackadaisical attitude and has made little or no effort to wipe out bad debts or pay dues to the tax authorities and other agencies. And to rub salt into the wounds, Mallya is also guilty of squandering crores of rupees on the Indian Premier League and other diverse interests. The airline has been given enough time to clear its dues but has defaulted on its payments time and again, and its claim that the bank's move is "post haste" is poor defence. The other banks will do well to emulate UBI and label Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines as wilful defaulters too.
N J Ravi Chander, Bangalore
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