The Delhi High Court has concluded hearings in the contentious civil suit concerning the estate of the late
industrialist Sunjay Kapur, reserving its order on an interim injunction plea filed by his children from his marriage to
actress Karisma Kapoor. This legal battle sheds light on the complexities of inheritance laws in India, particularly
when wills are contested and family dynamics are intricate.
The core of the dispute revolves around the validity of Sunjay Kapur's will, challenged by his children, Samaira and
Kiaan Raj Kapur, and his mother, Rani Kapur. They are seeking to prevent Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur’s second wife and the
sole beneficiary named in the will, from managing or disposing of the estate's assets, estimated to be worth
approximately ₹30,000 crore. The children, represented by Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, argue that the will
contains inconsistencies and suspicious elements, questioning its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding its
Rani Kapur has separately contested the will, alleging that she was not informed of its existence and that it deviates
from her son’s established behavior and acknowledgments of her role in his life. Her counsel, Senior Advocate Vaibhav
Gaggar, emphasized the improbability of Sunjay Kapur bequeathing his entire estate solely to Priya, given his close
relationships with his children, mother, and extended family. She also claims Priya consolidated control of assets
quickly after Sunjay's death, with incomplete asset statements filed.
Priya Kapur, defended by Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, denies any wrongdoing, asserting that a comprehensive list of
assets has been disclosed with supporting financial records. Nayar refuted claims of concealed assets or siphoning funds
abroad, dismissing allegations regarding a Rolex watch as based on misinformation from a fake social media account. He
also argued that corporate actions taken after Sunjay Kapur's death were initiated based on instructions from RKapur's
account shortly after Sunjay's passing, which she later disowned.
The High Court's decision on the interim injunction will be crucial in determining the immediate future of the estate.
If granted, Priya Kapur's ability to manage or transfer assets would be restricted until the court rules on the will's
validity. A ruling against the injunction would allow her to proceed with administering the estate as outlined in the
will, pending the final resolution of the lawsuit.
This case highlights several critical aspects of estate law in India. Firstly, it underscores the importance of a
clearly written and properly executed will to avoid potential disputes among heirs. The presence of ambiguities,
inconsistencies, or unusual provisions can raise doubts about the testator's intentions and open the door to legal
challenges. Secondly, the case illustrates the heightened scrutiny given to wills where the sole beneficiary is also the
propounder (the person presenting the will to the court), as Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani argued. Courts often
require stronger evidence of the will's validity in such situations.
Furthermore, the dispute underscores the emotional and financial toll that estate battles can take on families. The
legal process can be lengthy, costly, and emotionally draining, especially when family relationships are already
strained. The Sunjay Kapur estate case, with its high-profile individuals and substantial assets, serves as a reminder
of the importance of proactive estate planning to minimize the risk of disputes and ensure that one's wishes are honored
after death. The Court's forthcoming decision will likely set a precedent for future inheritance battles involving
contested wills and complex family dynamics.