SC appoints ex-judge L N Rao as mediator to resolve dispute over Kalyani family's wealth

New Delhi, Jul 13 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday appointed its former judge Justice L N Rao as the sole mediator to explore an amicable resolution of a long-running inheritance dispute over the Kalyani family's ancestral wealth, estimated at over Rs 1 lakh crore. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana urged a battery of senior lawyers representing Bharat Forge chairman Baba Kalyani and his sister Sugandha Hiremath respectively to explore mediation to resolve their inheritance dispute. "You may have said no to mediation earlier but when Court No. 1 of the Supreme Court requests, will you not heed it? Mediation can be successful when stalwarts from either side step in and help," the CJI said. Justice Bagchi also underscored the importance of a constructive approach, saying, "There cannot be a hostile approach to mediation." The bench requested Justice Rao to act as mediator in the dispute. "We will request Justice L Nageswara Rao to devote some time to this and hear both sides," the CJI said. Recording the consent of the parties, the court noted that the senior counsel appearing for both sides assured the bench that they would contact Justice Rao during the day itself so that the mediation process could start on Tuesday. In its order, the bench said, "Counsels were persuaded to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement. We request Justice Nageswara Rao to act as a mediator. "Senior counsels assure that they will contact Justice Rao today so that mediation can start from tomorrow. List this matter after two weeks." The bench also directed that proceedings in an application pending before the high court shall remain stayed until the next date of hearing. "Sometimes ego is more than assets... I am sure mediation will succeed," the CJI said. Senior advocates Abhishek Singhvi, Kapil Sibal and Aryama Sundaram appeared for the Kalyani family, while senior advocate Shyam Divan represented Sugandha Hiremath. The dispute concerns claims relating to the Kalyani family's ancestral assets, reportedly valued at over Rs 1 lakh crore, and has been the subject of proceedings before multiple judicial forums. PTI SJK PKS SJK KSS KSS