Law firm questions Birla will

Khaitan says that the Birla family is always open to a settlement and peace talks.

Birlas' solicitors, Khaitan & Co, who have been mum since the differences over Priyamvada Birla's will surfaced in public, today questioned its authenticity.

As the firm briefed the media today, there were reports that the two sides "" representatives of the Birlas and RS Lodha "" had met today at a city hotel for a settlement, but not much progress had been made. However, both sides refused to comment on the developments.

NG Khaitan of Khaitan & Co and legal adviser to the Birla family, categorically said the will, which had been read by Lodha to his clients, when it was opened, could not have been Priyamvada Birla's.

"We will be challenging the will," said Khaitan. This was the first time Khaitan & Co. broke its silence over the issue. Khaitan said the Birla family was always open to a settlement and peace talks could be held at any time.

Earlier, SK Birla had said the family was in favour of a reasonable settlement that secured the assets of the MP Birla group for charity, as desired by Madhav Prasad and Priyamvada Birla.

Khaitan said his firm was yet to receive a copy of the will, but its contents, read out by Lodha, could not have been Priyamvada Birla's will. Lodha filed for probate of the will on July 19.