Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : Instagram / karishma kapoor 

The courtroom drama surrounding the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s personal estate took another dramatic turn on Wednesday, as legal battles between his wife, Priya Kapur, and the children of his ex-wife, Karisma Kapoor, intensified. The dispute centers around a will reportedly made by Sunjay in March, which leaves his entire estate of nearly Rs 30,000 crore to Priya Kapur.

The children of Karisma Kapoor, Samaira and Kiaan, have challenged this will, claiming that neither their father nor Priya ever discussed it before his sudden death on June 12. They are seeking a one-fifth share each in the estate. The legal fight was heard before Justice Jyoti Singh, who outlined strict timelines for replies and submissions from both sides.

Priya Kapur’s Defense and Claims

Priya Kapur, through her advocate Rajiv Nayar, strongly contested the petition filed by the children. “This suit is not maintainable at all. I am his legal wife. The claims of love and affection – where was all this during the prolonged divorce battles in the Supreme Court?” Nayar remarked in court. He highlighted that Sunjay had divorced Karisma in 2016, years before his death, questioning why her children had not raised these claims earlier.

Priya Kapur also emphasized that Karisma’s children had already received Rs 1,900 crore worth of assets from the RK Family Trust. “So much crying… the plaintiffs received Rs 1,900 crore worth of assets under the Trust. I don’t know how much is enough,” she said.

Allegations by Karisma’s Children

On the other hand, the children of Karisma Kapoor alleged that Priya Kapur attempted to forge the will to gain full control of their father’s assets. Their legal team, represented by advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, said that Priya initially denied the existence of any will. However, she later revealed the will during a family meeting at Taj Mansingh, Delhi, on July 30, after suppressing it for over seven weeks.

The petition also claims that the minors, Samaira and Kiaan, were denied access to information about their father’s estate and were bypassed in key decisions, including Priya Kapur being appointed Managing Director of a company controlling significant holdings of the Trust just one day before the funeral. Jethmalani argued that the purported will is not even registered, adding further doubts about its authenticity.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

During the hearing, the court asked Priya Kapur to provide a full list of all movable and immovable assets as of June 12, the date of Sunjay Kapur’s death. The court also issued notices to both parties, setting timelines for replies, rejoinders, and asset declarations. The next hearing is scheduled for October 9.

The case highlights the complexity of estate disputes involving large fortunes and multiple heirs, especially when trusts and personal wills intersect. It also underlines the legal challenges that arise when wills are allegedly hidden or disputed by family members.

Implications of the Case

This high-profile dispute has drawn public attention not only because of the size of the estate but also due to the involvement of famous personalities. Legal experts note that cases like this can take years to resolve, particularly when minors are involved and when claims of forgery or undue influence are made.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future inheritance disputes in India, particularly in situations where blended families and large family trusts are involved. It will also test the legal safeguards in place to protect the interests of minor heirs and ensure fairness in the distribution of personal estates.

For now, both sides remain steadfast in their positions. Priya Kapur asserts her rights as the legal wife, while Samaira and Kiaan pursue what they claim is their rightful share of their father’s vast assets. The coming weeks will be critical as the court examines the claims, verifies the assets, and determines the next steps in this intricate legal battle.

The fight over Sunjay Kapur’s estate is far from over. With a significant fortune at stake and emotions running high, the legal proceedings will continue to unfold in the coming months. As the court works through the claims and evidence, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity in estate planning, proper registration of wills, and the need for transparent communication among family members.

This case, closely watched by the public, blends legal complexity, family drama, and high financial stakes, offering a rare glimpse into how India’s wealthiest families navigate inheritance disputes.