Bombay High Court Lets Raj Kundra Challenge UK Injunction in Rajasthan Royals Stake Dispute
In a significant legal development, the Bombay High Court has allowed businessman Raj Kundra to challenge an ex parte anti-suit injunction issued by the High Court of England and Wales concerning his 11.7% stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. The ruling, delivered by Justice Abhay Ahuja, marks Kundra’s first major victory in the ongoing legal tussle over the franchise stake.
The court granted permission under Clause XII of the Letters Patent, allowing Kundra to file a suit on the Original Side of the High Court to seek an anti-enforcement order against the English injunction within India.
Background of the Case
Raj Kundra, through Kuki Investments, a Bahamas-based company, owns 11.7% of Royals Multisport Private Limited, the parent company of the Rajasthan Royals. This stake is held via EM Sporting Holdings Limited, an investment vehicle registered in Mauritius.
The dispute traces back to last year when Kundra approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai, filing a petition alleging oppression and mismanagement against Emerging Media Ventures. His petition cited issues such as siphoning of funds, related-party transactions, and falsification of statutory records.
In response, Emerging Media initiated proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales, which granted an ex parte anti-suit injunction on January 29, 2026. The injunction barred Raj Kundra and Kuki Investments from proceeding with the NCLT case or any other legal action in India against Emerging Media.
Kundra’s Legal Argument
Kundra challenged the English injunction in the Bombay High Court, arguing that the foreign order was “non est, violative of principles of natural justice, and unenforceable”. His plea contended that the injunction unfairly restricted him from accessing statutory remedies in India.
On the jurisdictional front, Kundra emphasized that:
- He resides in Mumbai.
- Royals Multisport’s registered office is in Mumbai.
- A substantial part of the alleged oppression occurred in India.
- NCLT proceedings are ongoing in Mumbai.
Justice Abhay Ahuja accepted Kundra’s arguments, acknowledging that India had a significant connection to the matter and granting leave for him to file a suit in the city.
What This Means
With this ruling, Raj Kundra can now move forward to seek an anti-enforcement order in India against the English court’s injunction. The decision ensures that he retains the ability to challenge Emerging Media’s actions and pursue his legal remedies domestically.
This marks the opening round of what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle over the ownership and management of Rajasthan Royals’ stake, with international jurisdictional implications at play.
