The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a high-stakes legal battle over the assets of the Sona Group, issuing a notice to the widow of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur following a lawsuit filed by his 80-year-old mother.
On Monday, a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi sought a response from Priya Kapur and other defendants regarding a plea by Rani Kapur. The octogenarian seeks to have the “RK Family Trust” declared “null and void,” alleging it was established through forged and fraudulent documentation to divest her of her rightful inheritance.
Rani Kapur, the widow of Sona Group founder Surinder Kapur, claims she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband’s entire estate. According to her lawsuit, a “systematic fraud” was orchestrated to transfer these vast assets into the RK Family Trust, which was constituted in her name in October 2017 without her genuine consent or knowledge.
The petitioner alleges that her late son, Sunjay Kapur—who passed away in June 2024 following a cardiac arrest during a polo match in England—colluded with the defendants to move her assets into the trust. The plea asserts that Sunjay never confirmed the divestment of her rights during his lifetime nor provided her with a copy of the trust deed.
During the proceedings, the bench expressed concern over the age of the petitioner and the nature of the family discord. Suggesting a shift away from protracted litigation, the Court urged the parties to explore an amicable settlement.
“Why are you all fighting? This is not the age for your client to fight,” the bench remarked to the counsel representing Rani Kapur. “Go for mediation once and for all. Otherwise, this is a waste. You are 80 years old.”
The Supreme Court has now requested a status quo on the alienation of the properties held by the Trust and has scheduled the next hearing for May 7.
The dispute over the Sona Group fortune is multi-layered. While the Supreme Court is currently addressing the validity of the Trust, related proceedings remain pending before the Delhi High Court.
Notably, this includes a challenge by the two children of Sunjay Kapur and his former wife, actor Karisma Kapoor. The children have challenged the authenticity of their late father’s will, accusing Priya Kapur of acting out of greed.
Rani Kapur’s lawsuit specifically seeks a permanent injunction to restrain Priya Kapur and her grandchildren from utilizing or acting upon the interests of the RK Family Trust.
