Principal Judge recalls file on Justice Verma family estate row
The parties on Wednesday appeared before the High Court Family Division Deputy Registrar, Samuel Olumo, for summons for directions. However, the proceedings did not take place after the parties were informed that the file had been called by the Principal Judge.
Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo. (File photo)
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Proceedings in a civil suit challenging the administration of two-family estates involving Mpigi High Court Judge Deepa Verma stalled on Wednesday after the case file was reportedly called by the Principal Judge, Jane Frances Abodo, for further directions.
The parties on Wednesday appeared before the High Court Family Division Deputy Registrar, Samuel Olumo, for summons for directions. However, the proceedings did not take place after the parties were informed that the file had been called by the Principal Judge.
One of the applicants, Bunny Wallia, said they only learnt that the file was unavailable after reporting to court for the scheduled proceedings.
“We were supposed to appear before the Deputy Registrar at 3:00pm for summons for directions, but unfortunately the file had been called by the Principal Judge,” Wallia said.
He said the parties were informed that nothing could be done in the absence of the file and that they were now awaiting communication from the Principal Judge’s chambers on the next course of action.
The civil suit was filed by Bunny Wallia and Jaspal Ahluwalia against Verma, the Administrator General and another family member over the administration of the estates of the late Zura Mama Kasuku and Ahluwalia Gudo.
Verma is the second respondent in the suit. The applicants are challenging the circumstances under which the Administrator General issued Certificates of No Objection in favour of Verma and Jassa Wallia, allowing them to commence proceedings to administer the two estates.
According to court documents, the dispute arose from the processing of files relating to the estates at the Office of the Administrator General on June 12, 2026.
Wallia and Ahluwalia claim they were neither invited nor notified about the meeting, together with other family members who have interests in the estates.
They argue that the meeting did not involve all the family members with interests in the deceased persons’ properties.
Court documents indicate that three days later, on June 15, 2026, the Administrator General issued Certificates of No Objection in favour of Verma and Ahluwalia in respect of the two estates.
The applicants want the court to establish whether the certificates were issued after proper verification of the relevant documents, identification of beneficiaries and compliance with the applicable legal and administrative procedures.
They also want the court to examine Verma’s involvement in the estate administration process, given that she is a serving High Court judge stationed at Mpigi.
The applicants state that they are not seeking to interfere with judicial independence or determine any matter pending before another judicial officer. However, they want the court to establish whether Verma’s judicial position was disclosed during the processing of the estates and whether her official status was invoked in obtaining the certificates.
They further want the court to investigate whether there was any improper communication among the respondents and whether the information submitted to the Administrator General was complete and accurate.
The applicants also allege that some properties that may not belong to either estate could have been included in the administration process.
Following the issuance of the certificates, Verma and Ahluwalia commenced administration proceedings before the High Court Family Division.
These are Administration Cause No. 599 of 2026, concerning the estate of the late Gudo Ahluwalia and Administration Cause No. 600 of 2026, relating to the estate of the late Zura Mama Kasuku.
The applicants say they learnt about the proceedings around July 10, 2026, after notices concerning the cases were published in New Vision.
They contend that the administration process had commenced without their knowledge or participation, despite their claimed interests in the estates.
Through the suit, Wallia and Ahluwalia are seeking declarations that the process leading to the issuance of the Certificates of No Objection was irregular, unlawful or procedurally defective.
They want the court to set aside the certificates issued in favour of Verma and Wallia and direct a fresh process of identifying the rightful beneficiaries and persons entitled to administer the estates.
They are also seeking orders to preserve the disputed properties and restrain the respondents, their agents or representatives from selling, transferring, charging or disposing of the estate assets pending determination of the suit and lawful administration.
Other remedies sought include general, aggravated and exemplary damages, interest, costs of the suit and any other relief the court may grant.
The value of the subject matter is stated to exceed sh210m.