Rajesh Mehta Moves Bombay High Court
Rajesh Mehta, former permanent trustee of Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, has approached the Bombay High Court challenging his recent removal. The hospital board had terminated his trusteeship following allegations of financial irregularities, intimidation, and attempts to take control of the institution’s functioning.
Removal Through Board Resolution
Majority of Trustees Back Decision
Mehta was removed after a majority of trustees passed resolutions terminating his permanent trusteeship. The decision was taken amid serious allegations, which Mehta has now chosen to contest before the court, claiming the action was unlawful.
Urgent Interim Plea Filed
Court Issues Notice to Trustees
According to a report by The Indian Express, Mehta filed an urgent interim application two days after his removal. A single-judge bench of Justice Milind N Jadhav heard the matter and issued notice to the other trustees, directing that any further steps taken pursuant to the resolutions would remain subject to the High Court’s orders.
Argument of Natural Justice
No Prior Hearing Given
Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond and advocate Joel Carlos, appearing for Mehta, argued that the February 16 decision violated principles of natural justice. They contended that Mehta, being a permanent trustee, was neither given prior notice nor an opportunity to be heard before the resolutions were passed.
Alleged Violation of Trust Deed
Procedure Not Followed
The legal team further argued that the mandatory procedure under the Trust Deed was not followed. According to them, the alleged “twin resolutions” were passed without proper circulation to all trustees, rendering the decision legally questionable.
Role of Charity Commissioner
Authority Over Permanent Trustee
It was also submitted before the court that the power to remove or continue a permanent trustee ultimately rests with the Charity Commissioner. Taking note of these submissions, Justice Jadhav observed that an arguable case had been made out for issuance of notice and interim protection to safeguard the plaintiff’s substantive rights.
Interim Protection Granted
Further Steps Subject to Court Orders
The High Court has directed the defendant trustees to file affidavits in response and remain present in court. The matter has been posted for further hearing on February 25. Meanwhile, any steps taken in furtherance of the twin resolutions will remain subject to the court’s final decision.
Dispute Escalates with Fresh Allegations
Letter to PMO Raises Serious Charges
Amid the ongoing legal battle, the dispute has intensified. Permanent trustee Prashant Mehta has reportedly written a 16-page letter to the Prime Minister’s Office, alleging that Rajesh Mehta, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, and others orchestrated a coup to destabilise the hospital and siphoned trust funds worth Rs 100 crore. As reported by Hindustan Times, the allegations include fund diversion, forgery, criminal intimidation, and offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
