A legal dispute has arisen over the multi-crore estate of renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away on November 1, 2024. His close friend, Lalit Tehlan, has filed a probate petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking legal recognition of Bal’s last will, dated October 30, 2023. The petition, represented by advocate Jay K Bhardwaj, outlines that Bal’s estate comprises significant assets, including high-value properties, business stakes, and personal valuables.
Among the most notable assets is Bal’s residence in Defence Colony, New Delhi, which includes the first and second floors, along with roof rights. Additionally, Bal held a majority stake in Rohit Bal Designs Private Ltd, which operates factories in Noida and Greater Noida. The total estimated value of the estate is approximately Rs 18.06 crore, incorporating luxury watches, sculptures, and artifacts.
According to the will, Tehlan is set to inherit Bal’s entire estate, with Rs 10 lakh each allocated to three of Bal’s longtime staff members, including two cooks and a driver. However, Bal’s stepbrothers, Rakesh and Rajiv Bal, have contested the will’s validity. They claim Tehlan was blocked from entering Bal’s residence after his death, with the stepbrothers reportedly changing the locks and assigning security guards to the property.
Tehlan, concerned about potential asset misappropriation, has sought an ex-parte ad-interim injunction to prevent any sale or transfer of the estate until the will’s validity is confirmed. He has also requested the appointment of an administrator pendente lite to safeguard the assets in the interim.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Justice Anish Dayal acknowledged that Tehlan was not a family member and that the will was unregistered. However, Tehlan’s lawyer, Sanjiv Kakra, emphasized the long-standing, close relationship between Tehlan and Bal, spanning over two decades. The case is scheduled for a hearing on February 4, when the court may issue a notice to Rakesh and Rajiv Bal.
