Lodha's affidavit of assets had important exclusions: Birla counsel

Kolkata, Nov 29 (UNI) G P Birla's counsel Balai Chandra Roy today argued before Calcutta High Court that R S Lodha's affidavit of assets in the probate proceedings had important exclusions.

The advocate general told the bench of Justices Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Tapan Kumar Dutta that the exclusions included Kumaon Orchards although the same was mentioned in the Trial Balance of Late Priyamvada Devi Birla on the basis of which he claimed to have filed the said Affidavit.

Mr Roy alleged that there had been non-disclosure of various items of jewellery, ornaments and artefacts belonging to her.

Findings of the movables belonging to Ms Birla at Birla Park after an order of the court on March 11, 2005 had thrown a new light on the case, he said.

Mr Roy said Mr Lodha told the court that Ms Birla had handed over only four keys to him prior to he admission to Belle Vue Nursing Home but the keys did not funtion.

It was only after an order on May 11 last year for breaking open the locks of safes and almirahs that bundles of keys started springing up one after another, he said.

Mr Roy said that during the course of inventory various empty almirahs, cupboards, boxes, pouches including an iron safe were found.

Ten gold coins taken to her Allahabad residence during her lifetime had vanished, he alleged.

The trial court in its order on March 11 last year also held that Mr Lodha, now sole beneficiary, had not stated in his Affidavit of Assets about the articles and properties mentioned in the application for appointment of Receiver by the Birlas which it seemed he himself was either unaware of or had concealed them from the Court.

The court also observed that some of the assets and articles were quite invaluable and cannot be assessed in terms of money nor be replaced.

The appeal is scheduled for further hearing on December 13.

UNI XC TJP MQA HT2110