📍 Petition Filed Before Charity Commissioner
Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has challenged his termination as Executive Director of Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre before the Charity Commissioner. Singh has termed his removal “illegal” and sought appropriate action against the trustees responsible for the decision.
🏥 Appointment and Sudden Termination
📅 Five-Year Term Cut Short
Singh was appointed Executive Director in July 2024 for a five-year term. However, he was removed within hours of filing a criminal complaint at Bandra Police Station against members of the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust (LKMMT), which governs the hospital.
📝 Allegations Against Trustees
💰 Claims of Forgery and Misappropriation
In his complaint, Singh accused certain trustees of forgery, misappropriation of trust funds, and criminal intimidation. Prior to approaching the police, he had written to the trust’s chairperson, Charu Mehta, on February 2, flagging alleged governance malpractices. He reportedly moved law enforcement after receiving no response.
🏛️ Legal Challenge to Termination
📜 Due Process Questioned
As reported by Hindustan Times, Singh has now petitioned the Charity Commissioner seeking to set aside what he calls an unlawful termination order. He has also requested action against trustees allegedly acting against the interests of the trust.
🗣️ Trust’s Stand on the Issue
⚖️ Termination Defended
Rajiv Mehta, a permanent trustee and son of chairperson Charu Mehta, confirmed Singh’s removal. He maintained that Singh’s complaint lacked legal merit and justified the trust’s decision to terminate his services.
🔄 Counter-Allegations Surface
📄 Fabrication of Board Minutes Alleged
Rajiv Mehta and Prashant Mehta have accused Singh and their brother Rajesh Mehta—also a permanent trustee—of fabricating the minutes of a July 2024 board meeting. They allege the move was intended to gain control over the trust’s administration.
💸 Fresh Criminal Complaint Filed
🚨 Claims of Financial Diversion
In a February 6 complaint to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone IX), Prashant Mehta alleged a criminal conspiracy involving Singh, Rajesh Mehta, and six former LKMMT employees. He claimed they falsified meeting records, diverted over Rs 100 crore from trust funds, and attempted a “coup and mutiny” within the hospital’s management.
🔥 Ongoing Power Struggle Within Trust
🏦 Allegations Extend to Banking Executive
The dispute marks the latest chapter in a prolonged internal conflict. Last year, Singh held press conferences alleging that former trustees siphoned off Rs 1,250 crore over two decades. He also accused Sashidhar Jagdishan, CEO and Managing Director of HDFC Bank, of accepting a bribe to facilitate fund diversion. Jagdishan denied the charges and challenged them before the Bombay High Court, where the matter remains contested.
