In a setback to the partner of yesteryears' superstar Rajesh Khanna, the Bombay High Court on Monday stayed its order granting copy of the probate of his will to her. Anita Advani will not get the probate proceedings' copy till the appeal made by Twinkle Khanna is decided by the court.
On Monday, the court admitted Ms Twinkle Khanna's appeal. It found prima facie merit in the arguments put forth by her lawyers Janak Dwarkadas and Birendra Saraf.
A few days ago, a single-judge bench of the Bombay High Court had allowed Ms Advani a copy of the probate proceedings of Rajesh Khanna's will. The deceased actor's daughter Ms Twinkle had thereafter filed an appeal before the division bench of the court.
Her lawyers had argued that Ms Advani is neither a family member nor an heir of Mr Khanna, and so has no interest in his property.
On Monday, the division bench headed by Justice Mohit Shah asked Ms Advani the reason for seeking the probate proceedings. She replied that she wanted to challenge Rajesh Khanna's current will.
It thereafter asked if she had a rival will to contest the current will of Rajesh Khanna. After she denied having another will, the court questioned her locus standi .
It observed that she was neither a family member nor the legal heir. It thereafter admitted Ms Twinkle Khanna's appeal, and stayed the single bench order of granting Ms Advani the probate copy. The stay will remain in effect pending hearing of Ms Twinkle's appeal.
