'Even Paan Ki Dukaan Better Run': IndiGo Promoters' Spat Goes Public

Locked in a bitter battle with fellow co-founder Rahul Bhatia, IndiGo promoter Rakesh Gangwal has alleged serious governance lapses in the company, saying even a "paan ki dukaan" (betel shop) would have managed matters with more grace. Mr Gangwal, who along with his affiliates holds around 37 per cent stake in IndiGo's parent firm InterGlobe Aviation, said that the company has "started veering off" from the core principles and values of governance that made the company what it is today.

IndiGo co-founder Rahul Bhatia and his affiliates (IGE Group) have around 38 per cent stake. Rakesh Gangwal has written a letter to markets regulator Sebi, flagging governance issues at the company and has accused Mr Bhatia and his firms of indulging in questionable related-party transactions.

According to him, the shareholders' agreement provides his long-time friend Mr Bhatia unusual controlling rights over IndiGo, the country's largest airline.

"Beyond just questionable Related Party Transactions, various fundamental governance norms and laws are not being adhered to and this is inevitably going to lead to unfortunate outcomes, unless effective measures are taken today," Mr Gangwal said in the letter.

Referring to various events at the company, Rakesh Gangwal, in the proposed notice for extraordinary general meeting, said the events go "far beyond just poor governance and even a 'paan ki dukaan' would have handled these matters with more grace".

A copy of the letter has also been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal among others.

Mr Gangwal wrote to the board seeking an extraordinary general meeting, Mr Bhatia, on June 12, opposed the proposal. Mr Bhatia wrote to the board alleging that the genesis of Mr Gangwal's angst was his "hurt ego" and refusal of IGE Group to entertain his "unreasonable demands".