£3 Billion Will Dispute Case Settled
The Gaekwads of Baroda are one of India’s wealthiest royal families. The Maharaja of Baroda was once the ruler of a powerful princely state, with his own army and navy which he controlled from the Laxmi Vilas Palace, a grand pile believed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
Trouble began on the death of the Maharaja in 1988 when his younger brother Ranjitsinh succeeded him and his other brother Sangramsinh claimed he was entitled to a half share in the estate on the basis of family tradition. Sangramsinh brought legal action and was disowned by his mother. The bitter dispute was only settled after the coronation of Ranjtsinh’s heir, the new Maharaja some 23 years later!
Although we are no strangers to will disputes, hearing about a case that went on for 23 years, certainly raised a few eyebrows. Of course Indian and British law is very different especially on procedures and timescales.
A valuable estate
The agreement allowed the new Maharaja to retain Laxmi Vilas Palace and the lion’s share of the estate, including most of its jewellery and a collection of valuable paintings. His uncle Sangramsinh received another palace in Baroda, a number of bungalows and plots of land in the city, a house in Mumbai and control of the family investment and textile firms. Over 20 other relatives, including the late Ranjitsinh’s five sisters, will each receive a share of the valuables including jewellery and artworks.
Will disputes are never an easy time for either side but having the ordeal last for more than two decades cannot have helped. In Britain the average contested will is settled within 6 months to 2 years, depending on the willingness of each party to negotiate where appropriate. Redress Law Solicitors specialise in contested wills and probate and offer pragmatic expert advice.
