Amitabh Bachchan's Jalsa faces legal dispute as sister-in-law challenges 1993 deed

Amitabh Bachchan's iconic Juhu residence, Jalsa, has become the centre of a family property dispute after his sister-in-law Ramola Bachchan challenged a 1993 gift deed that transferred ownership of the bungalow to actor Jaya Bachchan. Ramola, who is married to Amitabh's younger brother Ajitabh Bachchan, has alleged that the transfer was carried out without her knowledge or consent.

The matter has reached the office of the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies in Andheri, where proceedings have begun. According to Mumbai Mirror, Ramola has submitted multiple complaints to the registration authorities over the past seven months, questioning the validity of the document.

She has claimed that Jalsa was initially registered in her name before its ownership was transferred to Jaya through the gift deed. While records of the Kapol Housing Society reportedly identify Jaya as the owner, the Maharashtra government's Property Card continues to carry Ramola's name.

Why has Ramola Bachchan challenged the deed?

Ramola has raised questions about how the 1993 gift deed was prepared and registered. According to her complaints, the document was executed on plain paper without payment of stamp duty at the time and allegedly did not bear witness signatures.

She has also questioned its subsequent registration and regularisation under the Maharashtra government's Abhay Yojana scheme.

Deputy Registrar Faiyaz Mulani confirmed that his office had received the complaint and initiated a hearing. The parties involved have been asked to submit their responses.

Amitabh Bachchan reportedly did not respond to queries, while Jaya Bachchan could not be contacted. A spokesperson for Abhishek Bachchan declined to comment, calling it an internal family matter. The authorities are yet to decide on the ownership claims or the validity of the disputed documents.

Amitabh Bachchan continues Sunday Darshan at Jalsa

The property dispute comes as Jalsa continues to draw crowds of fans every Sunday for Amitabh Bachchan's long-running 'Sunday Darshan' tradition.

On November 8, the actor stepped out to greet fans and wish them a happy Diwali. Unlike his previous appearance, he did not use the bulletproof glass that had been installed around him. Abhishek Bachchan and film producer Bunty Walia were also present to oversee security arrangements.

The appearance came after a threatening letter sent to the Mumbai Mayor reportedly mentioned Amitabh Bachchan along with other celebrities.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned the removal of the protective glass, saying, "Whether bullet-proof glass is removed as it shows the government in bad light or threat is over, this is something only Amitabh Ji can answer. But Bollywood celebrities are living under fear of criminals inside Sabarmati jail."

He was referring to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, whose gang members had recently claimed responsibility for a firing attack on actor Tiger Shroff.