Delhi Court Issues Summons to Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin in Assault Case Filed by Son Samir Modi
A Delhi court has taken a significant step in a high-profile family dispute by issuing summons to industrialist Bina Modi and senior advocate Lalit Bhasin. The summons come in response to an assault case filed by Bina Modi's son, Samir Modi, who is the former executive director of Godfrey Phillips India Limited (GPI).
Court Observes Prima Facie Evidence Against the Accused
Judicial Magistrate Aneeza Bishnoi, presiding over the case, noted that there is sufficient prima facie material to proceed against Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin. The court emphasized that a detailed evaluation of evidence is not required at this initial stage, but the available material forms a chain suggesting a meeting of minds among the accused parties.
Samir Modi had lodged a formal complaint at the Sarita Vihar police station in Delhi in 2024. He alleged that on May 30, 2024, Bina Modi's personal security officer, Surendra Prasad, physically assaulted him and prevented him from entering a board meeting at GPI's Jasola office. Samir Modi ceased to be an executive director of the company effective September 6, 2024, and currently holds no position with GPIL.
Allegations of Grievous Injury and Changing Statements
According to the prosecution, the assault resulted in a fractured right index finger for Samir Modi. The injury was described as so severe that the finger was broken into two parts, requiring surgical intervention with a screw and wire to reassemble it. The medico-legal certificate and CCTV footage presented in court confirmed that an altercation did take place, supporting the allegations.
In 2025, Delhi Police filed a chargesheet naming Surendra Prasad under sections 325 and 341 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). However, the police initially submitted that there was insufficient material to proceed against Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin. Samir Modi subsequently filed a protest petition, seeking cognizance against them as well. He alleged that Prasad stopped him from entering the boardroom on Bina Modi's instructions and assaulted him when he insisted on attending. Furthermore, Samir Modi claimed that Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin later insisted on proceeding with the meeting despite his injury.
Court Criticizes Investigation and Issues Summons
Magistrate Bishnoi observed that although the evidence against Bina Modi and Lalit Bhasin is circumstantial, it is sufficient to indicate their prima facie involvement. The court held that the investigating officer could not exonerate them based solely on the statement of Prasad. The court also took note of Prasad's changing statements regarding whether he stopped only Samir Modi from attending the meeting. While it was claimed that others were also not allowed entry, the submitted CCTV footage showed only Samir Modi being barred.
Commenting on Prasad's conduct, Magistrate Bishnoi stated that even if the complainant was not invited to the meeting, causing grievous injury would be unlawful. The court has summoned all three accused—Bina Modi, Lalit Bhasin, and Surendra Prasad—to appear on May 7 for further proceedings.
This case highlights the complexities of corporate and family disputes escalating into legal battles, with the court's decision underscoring the importance of thorough investigation and accountability in assault allegations.
