Bal Thackeray’s son likely to be cross-examined in HC today

Jaidev has filed a suit in the high court challenging the validity of his father’s will

The Bombay high court is likely to commence the cross-examination of Jaidev Thackeray — the estranged son of the late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray — on Monday, in the ongoing dispute over Bal Thackeray’s will.

Bal Thackeray, who died on November 17, 2012, had signed his will on December 13, 2011. (PTI)

Jaidev had filed a suit in the high court challenging the validity of his father’s will. He said that Bal Thackeray was of an unsound mind and had been influenced by his brother and current Sena chief, Uddhav Thackeray.

Read: Bal Thackeray will: HC dismisses Uddhav’s plea

The court is currently recording the depositions of the witnesses and has completed the cross-examination of Uddhav’s witnesses.

In the last hearing, the prime witnesses on Uddhav Thackeray’s side, Sena leader Anil Parab and the Thackerays’ family physician Dr. Jalil Parkar had told the court that though Bal Thackeray “suffered from some health ailments, he was of a sound mind when he prepared and executed his will in December 2011.”

Read: Bal Thackeray’s case hearing to begin from July 18

Bal Thackeray, who died on November 17, 2012, had signed his will on December 13, 2011.

Uddhav, Parab and two others filed a probate petition in the high court to get the will certified. Their plea was converted into a testamentary suit after Jaidev challenged the will.

According to the will, the ground floor of the Thackerays’ residence - Matoshree has been reserved for party work. Its first floor has been bequeathed to Jaidev and Smita Thackeray’s son Aishwarya. However, Jaidev and Smita are not allowed to stay there. The top floor has been given to Uddhav, who is also the recipient of family properties in Bhandardara and Karjat. Bank deposits worth Rs14.85 crore have been given to him.