Kamal Ghorui
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday urged the parties locked in a legal battle over late businessman Sunjay Kapur’s estate to consider resolving their dispute through mediation, observing that the matter reflected a “very sorry state of affairs” with “dirty linen being washed in the open”.
Bitter legal fight over Sunjay Kapur’s will
Sunjay Kapur’s estate has become the subject of a contentious dispute before the High Court. His third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, has claimed that Kapur bequeathed his entire personal estate to her through a will dated 2025, which she has produced before the court.However, the will has been challenged by Kapur’s former wife, actor Karisma Kapoor, through their two children, who have alleged that the document is forged. Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, has also questioned the authenticity of the will and Priya Kapur’s control over the estate. She has filed a separate suit seeking to declare the family trust illegal.
‘Dirty linen washed in the open,’ observes court
According to Bar and Bench, while hearing the matter, Justice Mini Pushkarna remarked that the dispute painted a grim picture of the family conflict. “This case reflects a very sorry state of affairs,” the court said, adding that “a lot of dirty linen was being washed in the open”.The court noted that while all parties had suffered a great personal loss, they had also been blessed with immense financial wealth. This, Justice Pushkarna said, should not turn into a source of bitterness. The court observed that such wealth “should be enjoyed by everyone in a good manner” and should not become a curse.
Court appeals for empathy towards all parties
Addressing the emotional toll of the dispute, the court said, “The effort should be from both sides. Ultimately, all the parties are suffering, and she [Rani Kapur] is already so old. No one should see a person’s son or daughter being demised when they are still alive. She has suffered a lot. You [Priya Kapur] are also suffering.”The Bench also acknowledged Priya Kapur’s position, stressing that her situation must be considered as well.“She is there alone now. She has to take care of the children. As far as Defendant No 1 [Priya Kapur] and her children are concerned, they also need to be taken care of,” the court said.
Court expects proactive role from Priya Kapur
Justice Pushkarna also addressed senior advocate Akhil Sibal, who was appearing for Priya Kapur, urging a more proactive approach towards resolution.“Mr Sibal, this court expects that you will take a more proactive approach in this. Since you are at the helm of the affairs, you can make this happen,” the judge said.
Trust valued at several thousand crores under scrutiny
The observations were made while the court was hearing Rani Kapur’s suit seeking cancellation of the family trust, reportedly valued at several thousand crores. Rani Kapur has also sought directions that an interim dividend of around Rs 28 crore should not be released to Priya Kapur.The Bench also considered Priya Kapur’s application seeking rejection of her mother-in-law’s suit. Notices were issued in both applications on Tuesday.
Parties asked to explore amicable settlement
As the court concluded the hearing, it reiterated that the parties should seriously consider resolving their dispute amicably through mediation. The Bench emphasised that during any mediation process, the interests of all stakeholders must be safeguarded.The matter will be heard next on March 23.
