The Hindu Business Line : Birlas yet to get copy of will from Lodha

THE Birla family has not yet received the official certified copy of the will of the late Priyamvada Birla from the M.P. Birla group auditor, Mr R.S. Lodha.

According to a senior official of a Birla group company, till late in the evening no document from the rival camp had reached their offices. Birla family members are expecting that certified copy may arrive on Friday.

"Our notice was sent yesterday by our lawyer, Mr P.K. Khaitan. They received it and might me waiting. We will wait till tomorrow. In any case, they are bound to send us the certified copy. They are legally bound on this account," the official said.

When asked what the next course of action would be, he said: "If they do not send us a copy, then we have all the legal options in front of us," he said.

It may be noted that apart from seeking a certified copy of the will, the Birla family has sought the right to inspect the original document. "Isn't it natural to check the signatures and credentials of the signatories of a will which decides the fate of Rs 5,000 crore worth of assets," the official queried.

Meanwhile, the legal battle over the will was expected to commence at the 8th Court, Alipore, here today, but did not come up for reasons not known. According to legal circles, it may be taken up on Friday prior to the necessary probate proceedings.

The caveat being filed by the Birla family members in the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, following the one by the Lodhas, is said to have been transferred today, after the required docketing, to the office of Deputy Registrar, Insolvency, High Court. The matter may be heard by the 8th Sub Judge of the City Civil Court, it is learnt. The Rule of Caveat is governed by section 148A of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that some top lawyers had already been lined up by the Birla family to launch the legal proceedings.

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