HC asks Uddhav, his brother not to drag legal battle

Justice Gautam Patel expressed concern over the “unpredictable” outcome that the case might have. “Nobody can assure the consequences of this petition. How much of this do we drag to the public. On a personal level, I feel this pradarshan is not required,” said Justice Patel.

Late Sena supremo Bal Thackeray’s son Uddhav and Jaidev are locked in a legal battle over their father’s will. Uddhav filed a probate petition to get the will certified by the High Court, but Jaidev has contested it, saying that according to the will, he does not get anything.

The court offered assistance to both parties, offering the option of in-camera proceedings. “All allgations made will have to be resolved in a mutually amicable fashion. Beyond a point, we cannot do anything. Persuade them in larger interest,” the HC said.

Offering time to both parties, Justice Patel posted the matter for directions on January 6.

During the cross-examination of a witness, advocate Flanian D’Souza had earlier told the court that he had drafted Bal Thackeray’s will around eight to nine times between 1997 and 2011.

The will, according to the witness, was read in Thackeray’s bedroom, around seven to 10 days after his death.

When Jaidev’s lawyer examined D’Souza regarding the presence of all legal heirs while the will was being read out, the witness said he had then inquired with one of the will’s executors and family friend and lawyer, late Adhik Shirodkar.

“I asked Shirodkar if the family of the deceased had to be present and he said there was no legal requirement,” said D’Souza.

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com