Feud over Thackeray Will taken to court

Elder son Jaidev Thackeray has challenged the late Thackeray’s Will in Bombay High Court

Mumbai : There was always an intense rivalry between the late Bal Thackeray’s sons, Jaidev and Uddhav after the eldest sibling Bindu Madhav died. The power struggle continues and now in a new twist, Jaidev Thackeray, has challenged the late Thackeray’s Will in Bombay High Court. 

A probate petition was filed by Uddhav Thackeray and four others, considered extremely close to Uddhav- mainly former Sena Member of Parliament and a renowned criminal advocate Adhik Shirodkar, architect Shashi Prabhu, lawyer Anil Parab and Thackeray’s former bodyguard Ravindra Mhatre. This petition has been opposed by the elder son Jaidev, who says that the bank deposits and properties willed by his father as Rs 14.85 crore is a “gross underestimation” of the actual value. Jaidev has contested the credibility of the witnesses and the very Will itself.
The copy of the Will has been attached to the petition, saying late Thackeray had appointed Uddhav Adhik Shirodkar, Shashi Prabhu, Anil Parab and Ravindra Mhatre as executors of the Will and Dr Jalil Parkar, lung specialist who was Thackeray senior’s doctor, along with advocate Flanian D’souza of Bandra were the witnesses. Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Dr Parkar said, “I will only say that I was a witness to the signing of the Will by late Thackeray as a doctor.” When prodded whether it was the same Will attached to the petition, Dr Parkar said, “Nothing other than that can I divulge or say.” As per the law, a qualified medical practitioner, usually close to the person who has drawn the Will, is supposed to give a certificate that the person is “mentally and physically fit when signing the Will.”
The advocates, who are also the executors, however refused to comment on this matter. “I am merely an executor of the Will and also a petitioner. I am just a lawyer following the wishes of the late Balasaheb. I cannot comment on the opposite party and their reason for challenging,” advocate Parab told The Free Press Journal. Senior criminal lawyer Adhik Shirdokar excused himself saying the matter was subjudice and law would take its own course.
Jaidev Thackeray has alleged that the Will has primarily named Uddhav and Smita Thackeray’s second son Aishwarya as the main persons and has challenged the credibility and contents of the Will.
The matter is expected to come up for hearing on January 27.

Neeta Kolhatkar