MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the Arthur Road prison authorities to make arrangements for builder Yusuf Lakdawala to inform if he is willing to opt for mediation to amicably settle disputes with his second wife.
A bench of Justices Prasanna Varale and Nitin Borkar heard a petition by Sabina Lakdawala for police protection and to quash an FIR for causing grievous hurt to Lakdawala’s daughter-in-law Noorie. Sabina’s petition says Lakdawala built an “empire worth over Rs 1000 crore’’ and assured her equal rights.
With the economic offences wing and enforcement directorate instituting cases against Lakdawala, who is in prison due and ailing with prostate cancer, his children are forcing him to transfer his assets, it added. On June 26 the judges suggested that the parties explore mediation and Sabina’s advocates welcomed it.
His children’s advocate Asadali Mazgaonwala said all her claims are against Lakdawala and the properties belong to him.“As he is in jail we are not able to take instructions,” he added.
Asked about the possibility of complainant Noorie settling the matter with Sabina, Mazgaonwala replied, “There is no chance for settlement. She has undergone 20-23 stitches over her eye.”
Sabina’s advocate Mathews Nedumpara said his client "is a single lady (sic) pitted against ten persons."
He said the Supreme Court has also suggested to the Kirloskar brothers to go for mediation. The judges said instructions from Lakdawala will have to be sought.
The prosecutor informed that due to the pandemic jail visits are not permitted and a video call may be made. “It is a better way. It will serve the purpose,” said Justice Varale.
The judges directed that Mazgaonwala will make a video call on July 30 between 2.30 – 4 pm and the prison authorities/superintendent will make necessary arrangements to establish Lakdawala’s contact with him.
