Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Bombay HC Upholds Removal of Harsh Kilachand as Executor
The Bombay High Court has decided to remove Harsh Kilachand as the executor of his late father's will.
The court found that Harsh had not completed the distribution of the family estate even after nearly a decade since probate was granted.
The court appointed an independent administrator to finish the job.
Harsh argued that the delay was due to factors beyond his control, but the court did not agree.
The beneficiaries, including Harsh's mother and younger brother, had lost trust in him.
The court said it was fair to let the new administrator take over.
Bombay High Court upheld the removal of Harsh Kilachand as executor of his late father's will.
The court appointed retired Chief Justice D.B. Bhosale as an independent administrator to complete the estate distribution.
Harsh Kilachand argued that the delay was due to circumstances beyond his control, including pending criminal proceedings and technical issues.
The court found that the delay was sufficient grounds for removal and that the steps taken by Harsh were insufficient.
The beneficiaries, including Harsh's mother and younger brother, had lost trust in him as the executor.
- Who
- Harsh Kilachand, Rajnikant Kilachand, Ramila Kilachand, Amrish Kilachand, Bombay High Court
- What
- Bombay High Court upheld the removal of Harsh Kilachand as executor of his late father's will due to a decade-long delay in estate distribution.
- When
- The decision was made on July 23, 2024, following a February 18, 2024 order.
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- The court found that Harsh Kilachand failed to complete the distribution of the estate despite having probate for nearly a decade.
Harsh Kilachand's Defense
Court's Decision
Reason for Delay
Harsh Kilachand's Defense
Harsh Kilachand argued that the delay was due to circumstances beyond his control, including pending criminal proceedings, refusal by third parties to transfer shares, non-cooperation by his late mother, and technical issues affecting the transfer of shares.
Court's Decision
The court found that the delay was sufficient grounds for removal, stating that the steps taken by Harsh were insufficient to complete the distribution of the estate.
Trust in Executor
Harsh Kilachand's Defense
Harsh Kilachand contended that much of the estate had already been distributed and that the remaining assets could not be transferred due to factors outside his control.
Court's Decision
The court noted that the beneficiaries do not trust the executor anymore and that it is just and equitable to allow the court-appointed administrator to complete the distribution.
- Date of Death
- August 6, 1997
- Probate Granted
- October 27, 2016
- Executor Removed
- February 18, 2024
- Independent Administrator Appointed
- D.B. Bhosale
- Beneficiaries
- Ramila Kilachand (widow), Amrish Kilachand (younger son), Harsh Kilachand (son)