Claims Branded as ‘Baseless and Malicious’ Amid Legal Battle
Mumbai: Allegations of a ₹1,250 crore financial discrepancy in the accounts of Mumbai’s renowned Lilavati Hospital have been strongly denied by Chetan Mehta’s legal team. Mehta, who is engaged in a legal battle to assert his position as a trustee of the hospital, has dismissed the claims as an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
“These allegations are categorically denied. This is a deliberate attempt to malign my client and pressure him into withdrawing proceedings against these alleged trustees and their unlawful appointments, which are still pending adjudication,” stated Simran Singh, an advocate from Sakura Advisory representing Mehta.
FIR Filed Amidst Ongoing Dispute
On Tuesday, Prashant Kishore Mehta accused 17 individuals, including seven former trustees, along with equipment suppliers and vendors, of financial misconduct amounting to ₹1,250 crore during a press conference. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered with the Mumbai police regarding these allegations.
Chetan Mehta himself is among the accused trustees.
Legal Recognition and Counterclaims
According to Mehta’s legal team, the Charity Commissioner, in an order issued in September 2024, upheld his status as a permanent trustee—a decision that has since been challenged. His lawyer claims that the media accusations have surfaced in response to a Supreme Court directive urging the Charity Commissioner to resolve pending proceedings promptly.
“This media campaign is an effort to defame my client through baseless and frivolous allegations,” the statement asserted.
Financial Growth Under Mehta’s Tenure
Mehta’s legal team also highlighted the hospital’s financial growth under his trusteeship. According to them:
- The hospital’s turnover increased from ₹200 crore to ₹500 crore.
- Charitable contributions, including free health camps, check-ups for women and girls, and thousands of free surgeries, amounted to ₹250 crore.
- Deposits reportedly rose from ₹10 crore to ₹500 crore.
- ₹250 crore was invested in world-class medical equipment.
With legal proceedings ongoing, the case continues to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention.
