The Hindu : Business : Lodha files probate application in High Court

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004

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Business

Lodha files probate application in High Court

By Indrani Dutta

KOLKATA, JULY 19. The controversial Will of the late Priyamvada Birla became a registered document today following the filing of a petition for grant of probate by Rajendra Singh Lodha, even as the Birla family announced its decision to contest the grant of probate.

Debanjan Mandal, partner, Fox and Mandal, Solicitors and Advocates, said here in a statement that Mr. Lodha filed the petition "for grant of probate of the last Will and Testament of Priyamvada Devi Birla, deceased, as the executor thereof with effect throughout the Union of India.'' The petition was filed today in the Calcutta High Court. To a question, he said that the Will was made out in 1999 in Kolkata.

To another question, Mr. Mandal said that if the Birlas challenged the Will, matters would move to the Court. He said he was not aware of any move towards an out-of-court settlement.

Along with the probate, an affidavit on assets was also filed according to Mr. Mandal. A press statement issued by the Birla family said that the family remained committed and united in its resolve to protect and secure the estate of the late M. P. Birla and Priyamvada Birla for charity, as was intended and stated by them on numerous occasions.

"The Birla family will be contesting the grant of probate of the purported Will,''' the statement said adding that N. G. Khaitan of Khaitan & Co. has been appointed as legal advisor and the family was confident of presenting its case and fulfilling the wishes of the late M. P. Birla and Priyamvada Birla.

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