Designer Rohit Bal’s Rs 18 crore estate in legal battle as friend seeks will recognition

One of Rohit Bal's key properties is his residence in Defence Colony, New Delhi, comprising two floors with roof rights. He also held a majority stake in Rohit Bal Designs Private Ltd with factories in Noida and Greater Noida (FIle Photo)

Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away on November 1, 2024, left behind a multi-crore estate valued at Rs 18 crore, sparking a legal battle between his close friend Lalit Tehlan and his stepbrothers, Rakesh and Raj Bal. According to reports, Tehlan has moved the Delhi High Court to validate Bal’s last will, dated, October 30, 2023, naming him as the primary beneficiary.

The petition, reportedly, lists Bal’s assets, including prime real estate, business holdings, and valuable personal belongings. One of the key properties is his residence in Defence Colony, New Delhi, comprising two floors with roof rights. He also held a majority stake in Rohit Bal Designs Private Ltd with factories in Noida and Greater Noida. The estate’s estimated worth includes luxury watches, sculptures, and artifacts. The will reportedly grants the entire estate to Tehlan while allocating Rs 10 lakh each to Bal’s three longtime staff members.

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However, the will’s legitimacy has been challenged by Bal’s stepbrothers, Rakesh and Raj. Tehlan claims that following Bal’s passing, he was barred from entering the designer’s home, as the stepbrothers secured the property by changing the locks and placing security guards on-site. Concerned about asset mismanagement, he has, reportedly, requested an injunction to prevent any transfers or sales and has sought the appointment of an administrator to oversee the assets until the court rules the will’s authenticity.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Justice Anish Dayal noted that Tehlan is not a family member and that the will was unregistered. However, Tehlan’s lawyer, Sanjiv Kakra, laid emphasis on the longtime bond shared by Tehlan and Bal. The court is scheduled to hear the case on February 4.