HC appoints mediator to end Mafatlal family feud

MUMBAI: Asking the Mafatlal family to try their best to put an end to their disputes, the Bombay High Court on Thursday appointed a senior lawyer as a mediator between industrialist Atulya Mafatlal and his estranged wife Sheetal.

A division bench of Justices V M Kanade and A M Thipsay were hearing two petitions - one filed by Atulya's daughter Marushka seeking the FIR lodged by Sheetal against her for harassment to be quashed and another filed by a private investments company owned by Atulya seeking CID inquiry against Sheetal for theft of a painting worth Rs two crore.

"Since both parties have agreed to refer the matter for mediation, by consent the matter is referred to senior counsel Rafiq Dada. During pendency of mediation, all criminal cases filed by both the parties against each other are stayed," the court ordered.

The bench suggested that the warring parties try their best to put an end to their dispute and posted the matter on November 28.

Advocate Rajendra Shirodkar, appearing for Atulya, said the industrialist, who is presently in London undergoing treatment for cancer, is likely to return to India next week.

The court has also stayed the domestic violence case registered by Sheetal against Atulya and his family.

While Sheetal has lodged a harassment case against Marushka and Atulya's sister and mother - Kunti Shah and Madhuri, Marushka has lodged a complaint against Sheetal alleging theft of antiques from the Mafatlal bungalow.