Mumbai Justice Triumphs: High Court Unravels Rs 150 Crore Malabar Hill Bungalow Fraud

Mumbai's corridors of power have witnessed a monumental victory for justice, as the Bombay High Court decisively dismantled an audacious and elaborate scheme to illegally seize a colossal bungalow worth a staggering Rs 150 crore in the city's prestigious Malabar Hill. In a scathing verdict, Justice Riyaz Chagla lambasted the "gross fraud" perpetrated by one individual, sending a clear message against land sharks attempting to usurp properties through deceit.

The case revolved around the sprawling estate of the late Jethalal Nagji Shah, who passed away in 1999.

Following his demise, the legal heirs of Shah found themselves embroiled in a protracted legal battle against Anil Dattaram Parab, who meticulously crafted a web of deception designed to snatch the valuable property. Parab's brazen attempts involved a series of fabricated documents, each more audacious than the last, aimed at establishing a false claim over the bungalow.

Among the most egregious fabrications was an alleged agreement for sale, purportedly executed in 1993 for a paltry sum of Rs 10 lakh – a mere fraction of the property's actual worth.

But the deceit didn't stop there. Parab also produced a forged power of attorney, shockingly dated 2000, allegedly granted by Jethalal Nagji Shah himself – despite Shah having passed away the previous year. This blatant disregard for facts underscored the depth of the fraudulent design.

Further compounding the deception, Parab went as far as to concoct a fictitious adoption.

He claimed to have been adopted by Jethalal's deceased brother's son, a move designed to create a spurious lineage and thus a false entitlement to the property. He then brazenly sought a succession certificate based on these entirely bogus claims, attempting to legitimize his fraudulent ownership through legal channels.

However, Justice Chagla saw through the elaborate charade.

After meticulously examining the evidence and the sequence of events, the court unequivocally declared Parab's actions to be a "fraudulent design to usurp the property." The judge minced no words, highlighting the deliberate and systematic nature of the forgery and the "gross fraud" committed against the legitimate heirs of Jethalal Nagji Shah.

In a significant move that underscores the severity of the offense, the Bombay High Court not only struck down Parab’s petition but also mandated that "heavy costs" be imposed upon him for his brazen attempts.

Furthermore, the court has directed the appropriate authorities to initiate stringent action against Parab and any other individuals implicated in the intricate web of forgery and fraudulent activities. This landmark judgment serves as a powerful deterrent, reaffirming the judiciary's commitment to protecting property rights and upholding the sanctity of the law in the face of such predatory practices.