In a dramatic legal turn of events, a couple has filed a lawsuit against several parties over alleged misrepresentations and fraudulent concealment related to their property purchase. On February 28, 2025, Manish Anand and Priyanka Sah filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against the California Native Plant Society and other associated defendants. The plaintiffs allege that they were misled about the true value and potential of their property due to undisclosed easements and restrictions.
The case revolves around a property located at 15879 Ravine Road, Los Gatos, CA, which Anand and Sah purchased for $2,375,000. They claim that during the sale process in early 2023, they were assured by real estate agents Om Talajia from Compass California II Inc., Katherine Greene from NRT West Inc., dba Coldwell Banker Realty, and others that the property could be developed into a larger estate. This assurance was reportedly based on misleading information provided in appraisals that valued the property at $2.8 million and $2.655 million without accounting for existing conservation easements.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, these easements severely restrict any expansion or development on the land beyond minor extensions to the main house. The plaintiffs assert that both their agent Om Talajia and seller's agent Katherine Greene failed to disclose critical information about these restrictions despite being aware of them. They argue that this omission constitutes fraudulent concealment as it significantly impacts the property's value and usability.
Anand and Sah further allege breach of fiduciary duty by their real estate broker Compass California II Inc., claiming they were pressured into increasing their offer price based on false premises. They recount instances where their agent encouraged higher bids by emphasizing potential developments that were not feasible under current restrictions.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court including general damages for torts committed against them; consequential damages; rescission of the purchase agreement with restitution; punitive damages; disgorgement; interest; attorney fees; costs incurred during litigation proceedings among other remedies deemed appropriate by law.
Representing Anand and Sah is attorney Inna Brady from IB Law Firm based in San Francisco. The case is presided over by Judge C. Roman under Case ID 25CV460107.