MUMBAI: Refuting

Gaurishankar Kalyani

’s claims on their late mother

Sulochana Kalyani

’s will,

Baba Kalyani

, the chairman of

Bharat Forge

, said Monday that the will was made when Sulochana was staying with Gaurishankar and his family at their residence— Parvti Niwas—, in Pune.
Gaurishankar had alleged that Baba coerced their mother into making a will in his favour in 2012.

The dispute between the brothers arose after the executors of the 2012 will filed a probate application in the

Pune civil court

for legal authentication of Sulochana’s testament.
According to the 2012 will, Baba is set to receive a significant portion of Sulochana’s estate. Gaurishankar, on the other hand, has objected to this will, claiming that Sulochana made her final will in 2022, just a couple of months before her demise, which overrides all her previous wills. In the 2022 will, Sulochana allegedly bequeathed her estate to Gaurishankar. According to Baba, the 2022 will produced by Gaurishankar is fabricated, incorrect and denied.
The Bharat Forge chairman also clarified that he had nothing to do with any of the legal cases filed by his mother against Gaurishankar during her lifetime. He has denied Gaurishankar’s allegation that he exerted undue influence on Sulochana to file various cases by virtue of a power of attorney. A spokesperson for Baba stated that no such power of attorney was executed by Sulochana in Baba’s favor.

The spokesperson pointed to a cross appeal filed before the Bombay High Court in 2015, wherein Gaurishankar had wrongly made Baba a party, alleging that Sulochana was fighting a proxy battle against him and his family. The court dismissed the proceedings against Baba.
Sulochana’s estate comprises shares of

Kalyani Group

of companies, fixed deposits, and immovable properties, including Parvti Niwas. Interestingly, Gaurishankar has listed his residential address as Parvti Niwas in his objection statement filed with the Pune civil court.
The Pune civil court will now have to examine the validity of the 2012 and 2022 wills and decide on the distribution of Sulochana’s estate. The case highlights the importance of having a clear and unambiguous will to avoid conflicts and legal disputes among family members.