The Delhi High Court on Tuesday urged the parties in a legal battle over the estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapoor to consider settling the dispute through mediation, saying the case reflects a “very sorry state of affairs” with “dirty laundry out in the open.”
Fierce legal battle over Sunjay Kapoor’s will
Sunjay Kapoor’s estate has become the subject of a dispute in the High Court. His third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapoor, claimed that Kapoor had bequeathed her his entire personal estate in a will dated 2025, which she presented in court.However, Kapoor’s ex-wife, an actor, contested the will Karisma Kapoorthrough his two children, who claimed that the document was forged. Kapoor’s mother, Rani Kapoor, has also questioned the authenticity of the will and Priya Kapoor’s control over the estate.
She filed a separate lawsuit seeking to declare the family trust illegal.
“Dirty linen is washed in the open,” the court notes
According to Bar and Bench, while hearing the case, Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the controversy paints a grim picture of family conflict. “This case reflects a very deplorable state of affairs,” the court said, adding that “a lot of dirty laundry has been washed in the open.”The court noted that while all parties had suffered great personal loss, they had also been blessed with immense financial wealth.
According to Justice Pushkarna, this should not become a source of bitterness. The court noted that such wealth “should be enjoyed well by every man” and should not become a curse.
The court calls for compassion for all parties
Commenting on the emotional impact of the dispute, the court said: “Efforts must be made on both sides. Ultimately, all parties suffer, and it [Rani Kapur] already so old. No one should see their son or daughter die while they are still alive.
She suffered a lot. You [Priya Kapur] are also suffering.”The court also acknowledged Priya Kapoor’s position, stressing that her situation also needs to be considered.“She is alone there now. She has to take care of the children. As for defendant #1 [Priya Kapur] and her children are concerned, they too must be protected,” the court said.
The court expects an active role from Priya Kapoor
Justice Pushkarna also addressed senior advocate Akhil Sibal, who appeared for Priya Kapoor, calling for a more proactive approach to the issue.“Mr. Sibal, this court expects you to take a more proactive approach in this. Since you are managing the cases, you can do that,” the judge said.
Karisma Kapoor’s children defy Sanjay Kapoor’s will, marking a glaring contradiction
The trust is valued at several thousand crores under close scrutiny
The observations were made during the hearing of Rani Kapoor’s suit in court to annul the family trust, which is reportedly worth several thousand crores. Rani Kapoor also sought a direction to prevent Priya Kapoor from paying interim dividends of around Rs 28 crore.The court also heard Priya Kapoor’s plea to dismiss her mother-in-law’s claim. The notices were published in both applications on Tuesday.
The parties asked to study the settlement agreement
Concluding the hearing, the court reiterated that the parties should seriously consider the issue of amicable settlement of the dispute through mediation. The court emphasized that during any mediation process, the interests of all interested parties must be protected.The next hearing will be held on March 23.
