Kalyani Family Dispute: A Legal Battle Over Wills
The Kalyani family, known for their significant contributions to India’s industrial landscape, is embroiled in a contentious legal dispute. Sugandha Hiremath, a director at Hikal and sister of Bharat Forge chairman Baba Kalyani, has challenged the legitimacy of her late mother’s wills. This dispute has emerged following the death of their mother, Sulochana Kalyani, in February 2023. The wills in question primarily benefit Sugandha’s two brothers, Baba and Gaurishankar Kalyani. As the case unfolds in the Pune civil court, it raises questions about family dynamics, inheritance rights, and the validity of legal documents.
The Wills in Question
Sulochana Kalyani created two wills before her passing. The first will, drafted in January 2012, primarily benefits Baba Kalyani, who is 75 years old. The second will, made in December 2022, names Gaurishankar Kalyani, aged 69, as the primary beneficiary. Sugandha, 72, has taken legal action against both wills, asserting that they were obtained through coercion and undue influence.
The contested assets include shares in prominent Kalyani Group companies, such as Bharat Forge and Kalyani Forge. Additionally, the estate encompasses valuable jewelry, fixed deposits, and various properties across Maharashtra. Notably, these properties include the family home, Parvati Niwas in Pune, and land parcels in popular hill stations like Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. Sugandha’s challenge comes after her brothers initiated separate probate proceedings in the Pune civil court, claiming the wills are valid and should be honored.
Allegations of Coercion and Undue Influence
Sugandha’s legal challenge centers on the claim that her brothers exerted undue influence over their mother during the creation of the wills. In her affidavits opposing the probate applications, she argues that the two wills are “diametrically opposite and contrary to one another.” Sugandha contends that the first will was signed when their mother had a strained relationship with Gaurishankar and was heavily reliant on Baba for emotional and financial support. Conversely, she claims that the second will was signed while their mother was under Gaurishankar’s care, suggesting that he may have manipulated her into signing it.
Sugandha maintains that both wills lack validity and genuineness. She argues that the estate should be divided among the heirs through intestate succession, which would grant her a one-third share. Furthermore, she contests the inclusion of certain properties in the wills, asserting that they belong to the Kalyani joint family estate established by their father and grandfather. According to her, these assets cannot be bequeathed through a will.
The Family Dynamics at Play
The Kalyani family’s internal dynamics play a crucial role in this legal dispute. Sugandha’s allegations highlight a complex web of relationships and emotional dependencies. During the signing of the first will in 2012, their mother was reportedly in a vulnerable state, with her health declining and her relationship with Gaurishankar strained. Sugandha claims that Baba took advantage of these circumstances to secure their mother’s signature on the will.
In contrast, when the second will was signed in 2022, their mother was under Gaurishankar’s care. Sugandha alleges that Gaurishankar compelled their mother to sign the will while she was mentally vulnerable. This situation raises significant ethical questions about the responsibilities of family members in caring for elderly relatives and the potential for exploitation during such vulnerable times.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Kalyani family’s public image and legacy hang in the balance. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the family’s business interests and their relationships with one another. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise within families, particularly when it comes to matters of inheritance and legacy.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.