Connecticut Court Wholly Rejects All Claims in Lawsuit filed Against Deccan Value Investors and Vinit Bodas by former Chief Operating Officer

GREENWICH, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Deccan Value Investors today reported that the Connecticut Superior Court for the Judicial District of Stamford-Norwalk has entered judgment in favor of Deccan Value Investors and its founder, President, and Chief Investment Officer, Vinit M. Bodas, in litigation brought by John Malik, a former Partner and Chief Operating Officer of the firm. The court issued its decision on June 23, 2026, following a trial in August 2025 and post-trial briefing.

The court rejected Malik’s claims, including a demand for over $100 million in damages premised on alleged multiple breaches of the parties’ contractual agreements. The court found that:

- Malik “failed to present sufficient evidence in support of any of his claims presented to the Court”; and

- “Malik’s far-fetched interpretation defies the principles of drafting contracts as well as common sense, and it is further contravened by both the express language contained in the four corners of the Agreements and by Delaware law.”

- “Malik was, undisputedly, solely a part of the back office operations at Deccan and was never working in an investment advisory capacity” and “…Deccan’s clients…never did and likely were never going to continue to have contact with Malik, as there was nothing he could offer these clients since he is not an investment professional…”

The court also described Malik’s testimony and proffered evidence as “internally inconsistent… self-serving and…not credible.”

The court further found that the attorney’s fees provision in the contracts is enforceable and directed Deccan Value Investors and Mr. Bodas to file an application for recovery of their attorney’s fees and legal costs.

“We are gratified that the court reviewed this matter fully record and ruled in our favor. Our focus has always been, and remains, on serving our clients with integrity and treating our employees with respect,” said Vinit M. Bodas.

In a prior jury trial on related claims, the jury returned a verdict in Deccan’s favor on 28 of the 29 claims brought by the same former partner and awarded Malik only $1.00 on the other claim.

About Deccan Value Investors

Deccan Value Investors LP is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Founded by Vinit Bodas, the firm pursues a long-term, concentrated, research-driven, fundamental value investing strategy on behalf of leading institutional clients, including major university endowments.