Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray and his estranged brother Jaidev appear to be heading for a long-drawn-out court battle over the will of late Balasaheb Thackeray. Uddhav on Tuesday once again refused to go for an out-of-court settlement on the matter, saying his family was upset by Jaidev's allegations.
Rajesh Shah, counsel for Uddhav, informed Justice Gautam Patel on Tuesday that senior Thackeray's will was not that of an ordinary person. "He had many followers who all have been hurt by Jaidev's allegations."
Justice Patel had in December 2014 suggested that the brothers consider an amicable solution, the details of which would be kept confidential. While Jaidev was open to the suggestion, Uddhav was opposed to it.
"They (Uddhav and family) are more worried about the allegations made against the deceased (senior Thackeray). That has caused a lot of bitterness among the petitioners and the close circuits," advocate Shah had argued.
On Tuesday, justice Patel once again asked the warring brothers to consider settlement in their interest. "It is a family matter. Your (Shah's) client (Uddhav) will have to be in court for deposition and the entire evidence will be in public domain. Whereas the confidentiality of the proposed amicable settlement can be in camera. You do not have to bother about it (settlement terms) being public."
Apart from in-camera (private) settlement, Justice Patel had also suggested that a mediator can be appointed.
The HC will anyways continue with the trial in the case. The next person to be examined is Dr Jaleel Parkar who treated senior Thackeray. He is also the attesting witness, who had signed on Thackeray's will. Examination of another attesting witness, advocate F D'Souza, has been completed.
The HC kept the matter for hearing on January 20.
Senior Thackeray, who passed away on November 17, 2012, left majority of his estate to Uddhav. He did not leave a farthing to Jaidev, who has challenged the probate petition, a court process by which a will is proved valid or invalid, filed by Uddhav alleging that Balasaheb was not in sound mind while executing the will.
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