Bombay High Court Orders Probe Into Claim on Parsi Heiress Hilla Dadysett’s ₹250-Crore Estate

Background: The Passing of the Last Dadysett Heiress

Hilla Dadysett, aged 100, the last surviving member of one of Mumbai’s most illustrious Parsi families, passed away on May 22, 2023. She left behind a will that donated her sprawling residence, Monte Rosa, a 3,599.54 sq. metre bungalow at Kemp’s Corner valued at approximately ₹250 crore, to charity. Her will, dated December 18, 2015, was executed by Hoshang and Rashna Khan, long-time acquaintances and nominated executors.

A Disputed Claim Emerges

While probate proceedings for her will were pending before the Bombay High Court, a 51-year-old Parsi man, Khushroo Behramshaw Mogal, filed a caveat claiming he was “like a son” to Dadysett. He produced an alternative will, allegedly signed by Dadysett on March 22, 2023, which he argued should override the earlier will and its four codicils (modifications).

The High Court, however, observed that even a “plain reading” of Mogal’s submitted will “raises serious suspicion.”

Court Observations: A Case of Forgery?

Justice Kamal Khata, in his order dated August 14, 2024, remarked:

  • The claim appeared to be a “posthumous pursuit of riches unearned”, aimed at usurping the estate.

  • The phrases such as “just like my son” and “my nearest person” in Mogal’s will were “craftily employed” to mislead.

  • The will bore grammatical errors, inconsistent signatures, and typographical mistakes—contrary to Dadysett’s known literacy and precision.

Justice Khata directed the Prothonotary and Senior Master to lodge a criminal complaint against Mogal for forgery and falsifying evidence, under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and Indian Penal Code.

Allegations Against the Caveator

Lawyers for the Khans submitted:

  • Community inquiries revealed Mogal’s history of involvement in other criminal cases.

  • Statements from his family described him as a habitual blackmailer.

  • Mogal only surfaced in court in March 2024, nearly a year after Dadysett’s passing, raising suspicion that the will was fabricated posthumously.

Mogal’s Defense

Mogal’s counsel, Shahed Ali Ansari, rejected the allegations, stating:

  • Mogal is educated and belongs to a respected family.

  • Previous cases against him stemmed from family disputes and matrimonial issues, irrelevant to this matter.

  • Under law, “bad character” has no evidentiary value.
    Mogal also announced plans to appeal the single-judge order before a division bench.

The Dadysett Family Legacy

The Dadysett family traces back to Dady Nosherwanji Dadysett (1734–1799), who commissioned the Dadysett Atash Behram at Fanaswadi, Kalbadevi, in 1783, the first fire temple of the Kadmi sect in Mumbai. The family prospered in shipping, ginning presses, and manufacturing, and became renowned philanthropists.

Over 200 years ago, the family donated around ₹10 lakh, a fortune at the time. Today, the Dadysett Charity Trust continues to run fire temples, provide educational and medical aid, and alleviate poverty.

Hilla Dadysett herself donated money to the trust and requested prayers for the family’s legacy before her passing.

Executors’ Stand on the Will

Hoshang (63) and Rashna Khan (60), residents of Churchgate and executors of the 2015 will, argued that:

  • For eight years, Dadysett consistently stated her intention to sell her property share and donate proceeds to charity.

  • Her nephew, Yerzdi Doctor, the sole surviving legal heir, was given a monetary gift in 2019 but not a share in the prime property.

  • Mogal was neither acquainted with Dadysett nor mentioned in any of her wills or codicils.

They listed 21 reasons why Mogal’s will was forged, pointing to its sudden appearance in March 2024, mismatched signatures, and inconsistencies.

Court’s Direction and Community Concerns

Justice Khata emphasized that Mogal’s forged will could harm the administration of justice and deprive the intended charities of valuable property. The court ordered the Prothonotary’s office to:

  • File a complaint before a magistrate.

  • Submit status updates every three months.

  • List the case for the next hearing on November 14, 2024.

Within the Parsi community, the case has raised concerns about repeated attempts by outsiders to usurp the estates of childless Parsis. Bombay Parsi Panchayet trustee Viraf Mehta confirmed that while difficult to quantify, such cases are common, and steps are being taken to safeguard properties.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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