Supreme Court Proposes Uttara Babbar as Commissioner in Ardee Group Family Property Dispute
New Delhi | September 26, 2026: The Supreme Court has proposed senior advocate Uttara Babbar as an advocate commissioner to help implement a settlement in the family property dispute involving the Ardee Group. The case concerns the real estate assets and business interests of the late developer Ashok Varma, whose daughters, Shefali Varma and Shibani Varma Kapur, are parties to the dispute.
Both sides have agreed to the court's suggestion. The move comes after mediation helped resolve major disagreements, although the implementation of a comprehensive settlement framework remains to be completed.
Supreme Court Proposes Uttara Babbar for the Role
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale proposed that senior advocate Uttara Babbar act as an advocate commissioner, assisted by the commissioner who has already undertaken part of the exercise.
Lawyers representing both sides agreed to the suggestion. The court asked the parties to check Babbar's availability and willingness to take up the responsibility.
The proposed appointment is intended to help give effect to the memorandum of settlement dated February 5.
Dispute Involves Ardee Group's Family Assets
The dispute involves Shefali Varma and Shibani Varma Kapur, daughters of late real estate developer Ashok Varma. It concerns control of the family's real estate assets and business interests associated with the Ardee Group.
The proceedings have focused on resolving the differences between the family members and implementing agreed settlement terms.
Justice Kurian Joseph Facilitating Mediation
The Supreme Court had earlier appointed former judge Justice Kurian Joseph as mediator to help the parties reach an amicable resolution.
Both sides had agreed to mediation, following which the court requested Justice Joseph to assist in resolving the dispute.
In an interim report, the mediator informed the court that the parties had successfully settled their major disagreements. However, he indicated that additional time was needed to develop a comprehensive settlement framework and complete its implementation.
Major Disputes Resolved, Implementation Remains
Taking note of the mediator's report, the Supreme Court granted the parties additional time to implement the settlement and directed them to proceed with the agreed terms.
The proposed role of the advocate commissioner is connected to this implementation process. The court's latest step seeks to facilitate the execution of the February 5 memorandum of settlement.
The appointment remains subject to Babbar's consent and availability.
Next Hearing Scheduled for October 6
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 6, 2026.
The parties are expected to report on Babbar's willingness to act as advocate commissioner. The proceedings will also provide an opportunity for the court to review progress on implementing the settlement.
For the Ardee Group dispute, the immediate focus remains on translating the agreed terms into a comprehensive and workable settlement of the family's property and business interests.