When 89-year-old Gustad Borjorji Engineer passed away in February 2014, he left behind a surprising legacy—a flat gifted by will to the granddaughter of his caregiver. Last week, a city civil court granted probate of his will, formally transferring ownership of the property to someone outside his family.
Engineer, a former employee of Tata Industries, had no children and lost his wife in 2001. A month before his death on February 22, 2014, he drafted a will bequeathing his 159-square yard flat in Shahibaug to Amisha Makwana, who was all of 13 then.
Makwana’s grandmother had worked as a caregiver and cooked for the Engineer household for many years. From an early age, Amisha frequently accompanied her grandmother and developed a close bond with Engineer. He took a personal interest in her life and supported her education.
The will was signed in the presence of two witnesses and notarized. Since Makwana was a minor then, Engineer named his nephew, Behram Engineer, as executor of the will and legal guardian until she came of age.
In 2023, through advocate Adil Saiyed, Makwana approached the city civil court seeking probate of the will. She stated she had lived with Engineer, cared for him like a daughter, and had been treated as a family member.
Before granting probate, a public notice was issued to invite objections. None were raised. Engineer’s brother also provided a no-objection certificate in Makwana’s favour.
On August 2, the court officially issued the probate and a succession certificate to Makwana.
Speaking to a national daily, Makwana reflected on her bond with Engineer, describing him as both a father and mother figure. She shared that he had considered adopting her but chose not to in order to preserve her religious faith.
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