The Delhi High Court on Monday quashed the criminal case initiated by industrialist Samir Modi against his mother, Bina Modi, her personal security guard Surendra Prasad, and senior lawyer Lalit Bhasin. The decision came after Samir Modi informed Justice Saurabh Banerjee via video conference of his intent to withdraw the complaint against all three individuals, citing a settlement between the parties.
The case originated from an incident on May 30, 2024, at the Godfrey Phillips India office, where Samir Modi was allegedly assaulted while attempting to attend a board meeting as an executive director. According to the FIR lodged in June 2024, Prasad reportedly prevented Modi from entering the boardroom under instructions from Bina Modi and assaulted him when he insisted on attending.
Samir Modi claimed his right index finger was broken in the alleged assault, requiring surgery. A medico-legal certificate classified the injury as grievous, and CCTV footage was collected as evidence. Modi also alleged that when he informed his mother about the assault, she instructed him to let the meeting continue. Lalit Bhasin was also said to have insisted the meeting proceed despite Modi's injuries.
Initially, police filed a charge sheet on March 1, 2025, naming Prasad as the primary accused while clearing Bina Modi and Bhasin due to insufficient evidence. However, Samir Modi filed a protest petition before the trial court, which subsequently found prima facie material against Bina Modi and Bhasin, suggesting a possible conspiracy or common intention.
With Samir Modi now withdrawing his complaint after reaching a settlement, the Delhi High Court has definitively quashed the case against all three accused, bringing an end to the high-profile family dispute.