California Court Orders: Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu to Post $1.7 Billion Bond in Divorce With Pramila Srinivasan

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu's divorce from estranged wife, Pramila Srinivasan, has taken a big turn. The couple filed for divorce in 2021 and has been living separately. Sridhar Vembu has been accused of hiding and transferring Zoho-related assets. Now, in January 2026, a California Superior Court (Alameda County) is favouring Pramila and has ordered Sridhar to post a $1.7 billion bond (by freezing assets). But why did the California court step in so strongly? And why is this such a big deal? For all that, learn more. 

Who Is Pramila Srinivasan?

Pramila Srinivasan is an entrepreneur herself and achieved quite a lot in life:

• She is a healthcare technology expert, especially in Electronic health records and healthcare systems.
• She is actively involved in healthcare access and digital infrastructure advocacy.
• Her 'The Brain Foundation', a US non-profit focused on Autism research, its treatment and community support. 

Divorce Between Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu

Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu married in 1993 and were living in the U.S., California became their home for nearly 29 years, with one son (an adult) who has autism. This is one reason why Pramila was proactive in autism research and community support.

In August 2021, Pramila Srinivasan filed for divorce in California, accusing Sridhar of abandonment and of hiding Zoho's assets (ownership stakes and Intellectual property). She says that the assets were moved through complex corporate structures without her consent. According to her, Sridhar moved to India and never returned to the U.S., leaving her and her son alone. The transfer of assets violates California’s community property law, and she approached the court to address it.

Pramila Srinivasan Now Wants...

She says she is entitled to half of the marital wealth, which was, without her consent, transferred to Vembu’s sister, Radha Vembu. Radha Vembu’s stake in Zoho can be about 47.8% stake. Pramila claims that this was done to reduce her share in the divorce. 

What Is Sridhar Vembu’s Response to Pramila’s Allegations?

He publicly dismissed Pramila's allegation, calling them "complete fiction." He backed himself, saying he provided them with his family home and gave his US salary as financial support.

California Court in the Pramila Srinivasan vs Sridhar Vembu Case

California follows community property law, like:

Any income or property earned during marriage rightly belongs 50–50 to both spouses unless it is agreed (in writing) otherwise. Plus, the couple was married for nearly 30 years and lived in California for the most part. More importantly, Zoho’s wealth could legally be considered shared marital property. The court issued a pre-trial order:

• To post a bond of $1.7 billion to provide a financial guarantee. Therefore, the assets don't disappear until the divorce is final.
• Next, accept a court-appointed receiver to assume temporary control and protect the assets (so that nothing goes hidden, sold, or moved).
• Hand over control of several US-based Zoho entities, including Zoho Corporation (US) and its affiliated holding companies.
• And to pause any primary asset transfer.

Final Thoughts… 

Zoho is a global enterprise software giant, and its business involves billions of dollars. Pramila Srinivasan is clearly unwilling to relinquish her rights to Zoho’s assets. The $1.7 billion bond is evidently a protection in her favour, but time shall reveal who will own what by the end of this divorce. What do you think: will it really be 50 - 50? Or hidden and 50 - 50 in what's left? 

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