The Delhi High Court has ordered a status quo on the estate of the late fashion designer Rohit Bal after a legal dispute arose over his assets.
On February 4, 2025, Justice Anish Dayal directed that the assets, including properties in Defence Colony and Noida, as well as the shareholding in Rohit Bal Designs Pvt Ltd, be preserved. This ruling followed a plea by Lalit Tehlan, a close friend of Bal, who claimed to be the primary beneficiary of the designer’s will.
Court’s Direction to Preserve Estate
The court’s decision aims to prevent the dissipation of the estate in the wake of the designer’s passing. As part of the order, Justice Dayal instructed that there should be no alterations to the assets until the matter is resolved.
Rohit Bal’s Legacy and Passing
Bal, a leading figure in the Indian fashion industry, was known for his contributions to bringing Indian fashion to the global stage. His clientele included celebrities from India, Hollywood, and around the world. Unfortunately, the designer passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 63, following a heart attack at a South Delhi hospital.
Dispute Over the Will
In his plea, Tehlan argued that he was named as the primary beneficiary in Bal’s will, dated October 30, 2023. The will reportedly stated that Bal’s legal heirs, including his brothers, Rakesh and Rajiv Bal, as well as his step-sisters, Neera and the late Aruna, and their descendants, should have no rights to his properties after his death.
However, Tehlan alleges that after Bal’s passing, his step-brother changed the locks at the Defence Colony residence, and a security guard was stationed to prevent Tehlan’s entry. Tehlan finds this action to be a violation of Bal’s expressed wishes and has sought the execution of Bal’s will.
Next Steps in the Case
The court’s status quo order effectively prevents any further changes or disputes over the properties while the case is ongoing. This ruling is part of the larger legal process to ensure that Rohit Bal’s estate is handled according to his last wishes.
