The death of renowned designer Rohit Bal has sparked a legal dispute over his will, with his former long-time partner, Lalit Tehlan, and his step-brother, Rajiv Bal, both claiming rights to his assets and brand. Rohit Bal, who passed away at the age of 63, left behind a will that has now become a point of contention between Tehlan and Rajiv.
Tehlan, a former model, has claimed to possess Bal’s will, asserting that he is the rightful heir to Bal’s fashion empire, which includes significant assets such as a property in Defence Colony, a Noida factory, land, artworks, and other belongings. According to Tehlan, Rohit Bal owned 99% of his company, Rohit Bal Designs Pvt Ltd, with 1% held by Rajiv. Tehlan alleges that the major portion of Bal’s assets, including his personal house, bank accounts, and fixed deposits, would be transferred to him, based on the will.
The executor of the will, as per reports, is Sunil Sethi, the chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India. The Indian Evidence Act, 1872, stipulates that any document like a will, which requires attesting witnesses, can only be presented as evidence if at least one witness is called to verify its authenticity.
Rohit Bal’s estate is estimated to be worth between Rs 8 crore and Rs 42 crore, adding further complexity to the legal dispute. The case has raised questions about the legal intricacies surrounding wills in India, including the right of a person to alter or cancel a will and the conditions under which it can be contested.
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, any individual of sound mind and not a minor has the legal right to dispose of their property through a will (Section 59). In the event of multiple wills, the last executed will takes precedence. This legal framework governs the distribution of assets for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains after January 1, 1927.
As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights the importance of clarity and proper documentation when it comes to succession and inheritance matters in India.
