/startuppedia/media/member_avatars/2026/01/02/2026-01-02t093327259z-whatsapp-image-2026-01-02-at-143233-2026-01-02-15-03-27.jpeg )
/startuppedia/media/media_files/2026/01/10/copy-of-website-1110-x-960-px-30-2026-01-10-15-50-33.png)
Zoho Founder’s US Divorce Case Escalates as California Court Orders $1.7 Billion Bond
In January 2026, reports emerged regarding the “unprecedented” court order issued by the Superior Court of California related to the ongoing divorce case between the estranged couple Sridhar Vembu, the Founder of Zoho Corporation, and his wife Pramila Srinivasan. This order called for the submission of a massive bond of $1.7 billion (approximately Rs. 15,300 crore).
Details of the order
The order was the result of an ex parte application that had been filed by Srinivasan, based on certain findings made by the California court regarding the division of marital assets that had begun in 2021.
According to court observations, Sridhar Vembu had not been fully transparent about certain financial transactions and acted “without regard for the law” by moving assets during the pendency of the case.
New court order in 2026
In January 2026, reports emerged regarding the “unprecedented” court order issued by the Superior Court of California related to the ongoing divorce case between the estranged couple Sridhar Vembu, the Founder of Zoho Corporation, and his wife Pramila Srinivasan. This order called for the submission of a massive bond of $1.7 billion (approximately Rs. 15,300 crore).
The order was the result of an ex parte application that had been filed by Srinivasan, based on certain findings made by the California court regarding the division of marital assets that had begun in 2021.
Statement by Sridhar’s Lawyer
Vembu’s US attorney, Christopher C. Melcher, has strongly contested the order. Melcher stated that the directive is under appeal and has not been complied with. He argued that the judge was “fooled” by “outrageously false allegations,” describing the bond amount as “legally untenable” and “absurd”.
Addressing claims of non-cooperation, Melcher said that Vembu had offered Srinivasan 50% of his shares in Zoho Corporation Pvt Ltd (ZCPL), an offer which she allegedly refused. He also stated that Vembu has already transferred his interest in the family home to her.
The defense further argued that the bond requirement is financially impractical, asserting that Vembu’s maximum borrowing capacity against his shares is approximately $150 million, far short of the $1.7 billion mandated by the court.
As of early 2026, the divorce proceedings remain ongoing, with the dispute centered on assets accumulated during the couple’s nearly 30-year marriage in California.