Legacy in Limbo: The Oberoi Heirship Battle That Shook Indian Hospitality
- Vaishnavi Majji
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
The Oberoi Group Succession Dispute centers on the contested inheritance of assets belonging to the late Prithvi Raj Singh (PRS) Oberoi, a prominent hotelier and founder of the Oberoi Group. The conflict primarily involves his daughter from his second marriage, Anastasia Jojic Oberoi, and her step-siblings, Vikramjit Singh Oberoi, Natasha Devi Oberoi, and Arjun Singh Oberoi.
Background
PRS Oberoi passed away in 2023, leaving behind two wills:
October 25, 2021 Will: Bequeathed substantial assets to Anastasia and her mother, Mirjana Jojic Oberoi, including:
1600 A Class and 62,075 B Class shares in Oberoi Hotels,
100 A Class and 2,600 B Class shares in Oberoi Properties,
46% capital contribution in Aravali Polymers LLP, and
Villa Aashiana, a 12-acre property in Kapashera, Delhi.
March 20, 1992 Will: Presented by Vikramjit and Arjun, claiming that shares were held in trust for them and should pass to them upon PRS Oberoi’s death, allegedly reflecting the wishes of PRS Oberoi's father, M.S. Oberoi.
Legal Proceedings
Anastasia approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that her step-siblings and cousin were attempting to sell the shares to themselves at a self-determined price, violating the 2021 Will and 2022 Codicil. She sought:
A declaration of her entitlement to the specified shares and assets,
An injunction preventing the transfer of shares,
Protection of her and her mother’s possession of Villa Aashiana, and
Disclosure of all assets of PRS Oberoi, including land in Kanha, Madhya Pradesh.
On September 12, 2024, the Delhi High Court issued an interim order that
Restrained the transfer of shares in EIH Ltd, Oberoi Hotels Pvt Ltd (OHPL), and Oberoi Properties Pvt Ltd (OPPL), except for one Class A share in each company to an executor for statutory compliance.
Protected Anastasia and her mother’s possession of Villa Aashiana.
Acknowledged the prima facie reliability of the 2021 Will and Codicil.
Subsequently, on November 5, 2024, the Court allowed Anastasia to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Oberoi Hotels and Oberoi Properties, with assurances of her appointment as a Director, alongside her step-siblings and cousin.
Current Status
The dispute remains unresolved, with the court yet to determine the validity of the competing Wills. The outcome will have a significant impact on the governance and future of the Oberoi Group.
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