The Delhi High Court on Tuesday urged the family members of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur to amicably resolve their dispute over the family estate, calling it a “sorry” situation and warning against letting financial wealth become a “curse”. The court was hearing a suit filed by Kapur’s mother challenging the legality of a family trust allegedly created through forged documents.
The dispute stems from a civil suit filed by 80-year-old Rani Kapur, mother of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, against her daughter-in-law Priya Kapur and others, including her grandchildren. The case revolves around the “RK Family Trust”, which Rani Kapur alleges is fraudulent and created without her consent or knowledge.
Rani Kapur claims that she was the sole beneficiary of the estate of her late husband, Surinder Kapur, founder of the Sona Group of Companies. She contends that a systematic fraud was committed by the defendants — including her now-deceased son Sunjay Kapur — to transfer all her assets into the RK Family Trust through fabricated documents.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, who presided over the matter, expressed deep concern over the ongoing litigation, remarking:
“Dirty linen is being washed in court. God has blessed you with financial wealth. Blessing should not become a curse.”
Urging mediation and mutual respect, the court encouraged senior counsel appearing for the family members to discuss a peaceful resolution:
“All of you should try to respect relations… Way forward is resolution in a peaceful manner.”
The judge also noted that while the family may be grieving the sudden loss of Sunjay Kapur — who passed away on June 12 during a polo match in England due to cardiac arrest — efforts should be made to remain respectful of each other.
During the hearing, Justice Pushkarna observed that Priya Kapur, the daughter-in-law, should acknowledge that it was the plaintiff’s husband who laid the foundation for the family’s wealth, and its fruits should be shared by all.
The High Court issued notice on an application filed by Priya Kapur seeking the rejection of Rani Kapur’s lawsuit. Rani Kapur’s counsel refuted all allegations raised by Priya Kapur.
Simultaneously, the court issued notice to Priya Kapur and other defendants on Rani Kapur’s interim plea seeking to stay the disbursal of dividends and preserve the estate until the dispute is resolved.
The lawsuit also seeks a permanent injunction against the defendants from using or acting upon the RK Family Trust in any capacity.
Rani Kapur alleges that her son never informed her that her assets had been transferred to the trust and that she was never given a copy of the trust deed. Her plea claims that the trust was a product of a “complex web of illegal transactions”.
Another petition concerning the estate is pending before the High Court — one filed by Sunjay Kapur’s children from his former wife, actor Karisma Kapoor. The children have contested the authenticity of their father’s will, accusing Priya Kapur of being “greedy”.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again in March.
