The Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Bank, Sashidhar Jagdishan, has taken his case to the Supreme Court, with a plea to get a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust against him dismissed . The FIR lodged by the Bandra Police Station in Mumbai, outlines serious charges against Jagdishan under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), specifically Sections 406, 409, and 420, all of which pertain to various forms of breach of trust and cheating.

The complaint, filed by the Trust which owns the Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, accuses Jagdishan of accepting a bribe amounting to ₹2.05 crore in return for providing financial guidance that allegedly aimed to assist the Chetan Mehta Group in maintaining unlawful control over the Trust's governance. The Trust claims that Jagdishan misused his influence as a leader in a prominent private bank to meddle in the affairs of a charitable organization, compromising its integrity.

Moreover, the complaint asserts that the payment made to Jagdishan was intended for financial and strategic advice so he may influence Trust matters. Another allegation claims that Jagdishan and his family received "free medical treatment" from Lilavati Hospital, a benefit the Trust argues has gone unaddressed by HDFC Bank.

It also highlights substantial deposits placed with HDFC Bank, totaling ₹48 crore since the 2022 financial year, indicative of conflicts of interest in the ongoing relationship.

Additional claims have emerged, stating that ₹1.5 crore was allegedly offered to Jagdishan under the guise of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, with intention to obscure evidence related to internal disputes within the Trust.

Jagdishan approached the Bombay High Court to have the case dismissed. However, this effort faced setbacks as three judges recused themselves from hearing the matter. The case was subsequently brought before the High Court again on June 30, where Jagdishan sought interim relief.

Noting the absence of urgency in the case, the High Court kept the matter for hearing on July 14, prompting Jagdishan to seek recourse at the Supreme Court.

Source: News