Behind the long and arduous legal battle
(WorldNews Business)

The 16-year-old battle between the Birla family and the Lodhas does not seem to be reaching any conclusion, with the latter planning to challenge the Calcutta High Court`s order. At the centre of this dispute is the will claimed to be that of Priyamvada Devi Birla, bequeathing her entire ₹5,000-crore estate to her chartered accountant RS Lodha after her death in 2004. This ‘will` was claimed by Lodha to be prepared in 1999 but was disclosed only after Priyamvada`s death. It assigned complete control of MP Birla group and its varied industries to Priyamvada`s ‘trusted friend` Lodha. The extended Birla family, whose wealth is grounded in...