High Court Unravels the Mystery of a Parsi Heiress's Contested Will and a Man Claiming Filial Affection

A gripping legal drama is unfolding in the hallowed halls of the Bombay High Court, centered on the colossal estate of a deceased Parsi heiress, Perviz Sarosh Irani. At the heart of this dispute is a man, Cyrus Noshir Dhalla, who asserts a profound, "son-like" bond with the late Irani, and a controversial codicil to her will that dramatically reshapes the destiny of her considerable fortune.

Perviz Sarosh Irani, a woman of significant wealth and no direct heirs, passed away on May 3, 2023.

Her original will, meticulously crafted in 2013, reflected a philanthropic spirit, earmarking a substantial portion of her over Rs 100 crore estate to the venerable Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) for charitable endeavors benefiting the community. This arrangement seemed clear, a testament to her wishes for her legacy.

However, a mere thirteen days before her demise, a new document emerged – a codicil.

This eleventh-hour amendment has thrown the entire inheritance into turmoil. It slashes the BPP's intended share to a paltry Rs 1 crore, diverting an astonishing Rs 25 crore to Dhalla, Rs 15 crore to his wife, and an additional Rs 15 crore to each of their two daughters. This sudden and radical shift in beneficiaries has ignited a fierce legal challenge, prompting the High Court to delve deep into the circumstances surrounding its creation.

Justice R.I.

Chagla of the Bombay High Court has ordered a rigorous inquiry, casting a critical eye on Dhalla’s claims and the perplexing timing of the codicil. The court's skepticism is palpable, questioning how an original will, so specific in its charitable directives, could be so drastically altered in the final days of a woman who was reportedly in failing health.

The central question looming large is whether Perviz Sarosh Irani was truly of sound mind and acting without undue influence when she signed this life-altering document.

The Bombay Parsi Punchayet, represented by senior counsel Aspi Chinoy and advocate Zarir Bharucha, has voiced grave concerns over the legitimacy of the codicil.

They argue that the sudden redirection of funds from established charitable trusts to private individuals, particularly so close to the heiress's death, warrants intense scrutiny. The community’s trust, once poised to receive millions to uplift and support its members, now stands to lose a vast sum.

Cyrus Noshir Dhalla, through his legal team comprising senior counsel Iqbal Chagla and advocate Khushroo Kapadia, maintains that the codicil accurately reflects Irani's intentions.

He claims his relationship with Irani was genuinely paternal, akin to a son caring for his mother, and that her decision to alter her will was a conscious act of affection and recognition for his years of dedication.

Yet, the court remains unconvinced by mere assertions. Justice Chagla has specifically instructed Dhalla to submit a detailed affidavit.

This affidavit must meticulously outline the genesis and evolution of his relationship with Perviz Sarosh Irani, explicitly stating when and how their unique bond began. Crucially, it must also shed light on who initiated the preparation of the contentious codicil and who arranged for its execution, demanding transparency around the events leading up to this significant change.

As the inquiry progresses, the Bombay High Court aims to peel back the layers of this complex inheritance battle.

The outcome will not only determine the fate of a multi-crore estate but also set a precedent on how claims of personal bonds intersect with the solemn final wishes expressed in a will, particularly when a deceased's capacity and potential influence are brought into question. The legal proceedings promise to be a captivating and vital pursuit of truth and justice.