Suits & Sayings: Family Business

Now that the rift in this Delhi-based business family is public—something this column had alluded to last week—friends of the Punjabi household can’t stop wondering if there is some larger shadow boxing at play, sparked by the recent bereavement. Sections of the extended family have, in the past, supposedly attempted to take over the business during moments of vulnerability, but were unsuccessful, as per Lutyens lore. Efforts to use proxies within the family to litigate over the use of the brand name have also failed. Would this be a third attempt? The clue may well be in the decision to proceed with their annual summer bash, so soon after the recent tragedy. Clearly there’s not much love lost between uncles and nephews and siblings .

(For more on our weekly roundup of wackiest whispers and murmurs in corporate corridors & policy parlours, pick up today's edition of The Economic Times newspaper)