Here's the scoop: A family fight over a hotel in Pune led to a court decision that stopped its sale. The Bombay High Court stepped in to protect a family member's claim to the property.
The case involves the Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited (TFCI) and the Mali family. Aishwarya Chetan Khedkar, who used to be known as Aishwarya Sanjay Mali, is at the center of the argument, along with her family members who live in Pune.
TFCI had given financial support to Aishwarya Regency LLP, a business run by the Mali family. When the family couldn't pay back the loan, TFCI took legal steps to take over the hotel, Aishwarya Regency, as a backup plan. This was done under a law called the SARFAESI Act.
Aishwarya, claiming a share in the hotel as a family property, filed a lawsuit in 2023 to stop the sale. She argued that the hotel was family-owned and she had rights to it. Initially, her request to stop the sale was denied by a lower court in December 2023.
Aishwarya appealed the decision. On January 24, 2025, the Vadgaon District Court agreed with her, allowing her appeal and stopping the sale of the hotel until the case was fully resolved.
"The Plaintiff was entitled to enforce her right as a coparcener," said the District Judge.
TFCI, unhappy with the decision, tried to sell the property to Eastman Garments Pvt Ltd. just days after the court decision. This led to more legal issues.
Judge N.J. Jamadar of the Bombay High Court looked over the case and rejected TFCI's appeal on January 24, 2026. The judge highlighted the importance of following court orders and protecting Aishwarya's possible share in the property.
"Transfers in disobedience of the restraint order passed by the Court are illegal," the judge stated.
The court's decision means that the sale of the hotel is on hold until the full case is resolved. This ruling highlights the importance of following legal rules and respecting family property rights.
