The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a significant directive in the ongoing family inheritance battle over the estate of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur. Justice Jyoti Singh permitted his widow, Priya Sachdev Kapur, to file the full list of movable and immovable assets in a sealed cover, while also recording strict assurances from all sides that no one will leak details of the case to the media.
Background
The dispute has been simmering since June this year, when Kapur passed away in the United Kingdom. His children from his second marriage with actress Karisma Kapoor - Samaira and Kiaan - allege that their stepmother forged his will, dated 21 March 2025, to cut them out entirely. According to their claim, the suspiciously timed will transferred the entire estate, reportedly worth thousands of crores, to Priya Kapur.
The children, represented by senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, insist that the document cannot be genuine.
"I'm highly suspicious of authenticity of this will. I need sunlight in this case," Jethmalani told the court, alleging that assets were swiftly appropriated by Priya in the days leading up to and immediately after Sunjay’s death.
Court's Observations
Justice Singh, while balancing confidentiality with fairness, did not accept the idea of a "confidentiality club" but agreed to sealed filings.
"The list of assets of Sunjay Kapur, both movable and immovable, will be filed in court in a sealed cover, copies will be shared with the parties in the lis," the bench dictated.
The court also made it clear that copies of Sunjay Kapur's will must be provided to his mother, Rani Kapur, but only on the condition that neither she nor her counsel would leak its contents. The document will remain in the custody of the Registrar General until further hearing.
On the other side, Priya Kapur's lawyers - led by Rajiv Nayar - maintained that the press had already turned the case into a spectacle.
"We are not supposed to have debate on assets in public domain. There is a trial by the press, everyday. I’m inviting a gag order on myself," Nayar said, adding that the estate issue should be kept strictly inside courtrooms.
Decision
After hours of arguments, the High Court disposed of the applications filed by both Priya Kapur and Rani Kapur. The bench ruled that the assets list must be filed in sealed cover, that all parties would receive copies, and that confidentiality must be maintained. A copy of the will is also to be provided to Rani Kapur, subject to a non-disclosure undertaking.
The next date of hearing will decide how the estate is to be evaluated, but for now the spotlight rests on whether the will survives judicial scrutiny.
Case Title: Ms. Samaira Kapoor & R v. Ms. Priya Kapoor & Ors.
Case Number: CAS(OS)-627/2025