In a recent legal development, the Delhi High Court has imposed a status quo on the estate of the renowned fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away last year. The order, issued by Justice Anish Dayal on February 4, comes in response to a plea by Bal’s friend, Lalit Tehlan, who claims to be the primary beneficiary of the late designer’s will.
Rohit Bal, a towering figure in Indian fashion known for his intricate designs and celebrity clientele, died of a heart attack on November 1, 2024, in a South Delhi hospital. He was 63. His unexpected death has led to a contentious dispute over his substantial assets, which include high-value properties in Defence Colony and Noida, as well as significant shareholdings in Rohit Bal Designs Pvt Ltd.
The court’s decision to enforce a status quo seeks to prevent any further actions that might alter the state of Bal’s assets until the legal proceedings are resolved. This measure is intended to safeguard the assets from being dissipated or mishandled during the ongoing dispute.
Tehlan’s application alleges shocking revelations, claiming that despite Bal’s explicit instructions in his will dated October 30, 2023, which disinherit his legal heirs — including his brothers Rakesh and Rajiv Bal, and his step-sisters Neera and the late Aruna — from any claim over his properties, there have been attempts to undermine his final wishes. According to the plea, Bal’s stepbrother changed the locks on the Defence Colony property shortly after the designer’s death and stationed a security guard to block Tehlan’s access.
