Pratima Devi has moved an additional application alleging her signatures on partition papers were obtained through deception. The court’s October 14 order will decide whether she can lead evidence in the long-running family property dispute.
The legal dispute over the division of the Scindia family’s properties, estimated to be worth around Rs 40,000 crore, has taken a fresh turn, with Pratima Devi claiming that her signatures on documents related to the partition were obtained through deception rather than with her consent.
Pratima Devi, daughter of Padmavati Raje, an aunt of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, has filed an additional application before the court, alleging that her signatures on documents linked to the property division were obtained through deception rather than with her informed consent. The court is scheduled to deliver its decision on the application on October 14.
In her application, Pratima Devi has alleged that she was not properly informed about crucial documents and notices related to the division of the estate. She has also claimed that some documents and notices were sent to incorrect addresses. She has sought permission to present evidence in support of her allegations.
The plea has been opposed by lawyers representing Jyotiraditya Scindia and other members of the family, including Usha Raje, Vasundhara Raje and Yashodhara Raje. They have maintained that the documents were signed with consent and disputed the allegations raised by Pratima Devi.
As part of their arguments, the family’s representatives also pointed to a dinner attended by family members after the documents were signed, saying photographs were taken during the gathering. The argument was cited to support their position that the signing had taken place with the parties’ consent.
The court has fixed October 14 for its decision on the additional application after arguments on the plea concluded.
