No immediate resolution emerged in the Kalyani family dispute after Bharat Forge Chairman Baba Kalyani continued to oppose formal mediation, while his sister Sugandha Hiremath renewed her push for a negotiated settlement before the Bombay High Court.
The court asked the parties to meet personally and explore whether the matter can be resolved outside court, signalling its preference for an amicable settlement in the long-running dispute over family assets and arrangements. The question of mediation remains open and the Bombay High Court is scheduled to consider the issue on April 28.
The case centres on claims involving the Kalyani family's business interests and assets. The dispute has drawn market attention because of its scale and the link to Bharat Forge, the listed flagship of the Kalyani Group.
Fresh Push For Mediation
Counsel for Hiremath told the court that prior rulings make clear that consent is not necessary where a court decides to refer parties to mediation. The lawyer also argued that the failure of an earlier mediation attempt should not prevent a fresh effort now.
Hiremath's side said the previous mediation involved only two brothers and that she was not a party to that process. Counsel further submitted that the current civil suit was not part of the earlier failed mediation exercise.
Kalyani Opposes Formal Process
Counsel for Baba Kalyani said an earlier mediation ordered by the Supreme Court had already failed after running for eight months. On that basis, his side opposed another formal referral.
However, the court was told that Baba Kalyani is willing to meet directly with the other parties without entering a formal mediation process.
Background To The Dispute
At the previous hearing, Baba Kalyani had asked the Bombay High Court to continue hearing his plea without delay rather than pause proceedings for settlement talks. His siblings, Sugandha Hiremath and Gaurishankar Kalyani, had supported mediation as a way to avoid prolonged litigation.
The bench had then noted the benefits of mediation in family disputes and granted time for further discussions. The matter will now return before the Bombay High Court on April 28, when it is expected to decide the next course on mediation.
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