Makes Mahabharat look small: Supreme Court as Sanjay Kapur estate row heats up

The Supreme Court on Tuesday witnessed dramatic scenes in the escalating battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s estate, with Justice JB Pardiwala remarking, “We have entered into an arena. The Mahabharat will look very small,” while hearing a fresh plea filed by 80-year-old Rani Kapur against Priya Sachdev Kapur and other family members.

The court was told that a proposed board meeting linked to the disputed estate was aimed at reshaping control of the family’s financial empire even as mediation proceedings ordered by the apex court remain underway.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan listed the matter for hearing on May 14.

FRESH PLEA OVER BOARD MEETING

Rani Kapur has sought urgent directions restraining Priya Sachdev Kapur and certain other respondents from interfering in the functioning of the “RK Family Trust” during the mediation process initiated by the Supreme Court on May 7.

She has also sought a stay on a board meeting scheduled for May 18 pursuant to a notice issued by Raghuvanshi Investment Private Limited, which allegedly holds a substantial portion of the disputed family estate.

Appearing for Rani Kapur, counsel informed the court that the proposed meeting was intended to appoint additional directors to the company’s board.

Kapur alleged that the meeting had been convened at the behest of Priya Sachdev Kapur and others to bypass the Supreme Court-mediated settlement process and take control of the company’s finances, management and disputed assets.

According to the plea, the move could render the mediation proceedings meaningless before they even conclude.

CLAIMS OF FRAUD AND CONTROL

In her application, Rani Kapur claimed she was wrongfully stripped of her “legacy, estate and home” through what she described as fraudulent documents connected to the “RK Family Trust” or “Rani Kapur Family Trust”.

The plea claimed that while the Trust Deed described her as the Settlor and Trustee, it named Priya Sachdev Kapur and others as the sole beneficiaries, excluding her and the rest of the Kapur family.

“It is humbly submitted that the Petitioner/Applicant has a strong prima facie case as the Respondents are wrongfully attempting to usurp the disputed family estate and the financial control of... RIPL, through a hastily and mala fide Board Meeting,” the plea said.

Rani Kapur further claimed that even if the Trust were assumed to be valid, she was presently the sole trustee after removing Priya Sachdev Kapur through a letter dated March 21, 2026, allegedly under powers granted by the Trust Deed.

The plea also pointed to the timing of the board meeting notice, claiming it was issued within 24 hours of the Supreme Court referring the matter to mediation.

SUPREME COURT MEDIATION

Last week, the Supreme Court formally referred the dispute for mediation under the supervision of former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud.

The court had asked all parties to participate with an “open mind” and avoid discussing the matter publicly or on social media.

“It is a family dispute. Let it remain within the family,” the court had said earlier.

The legal fight began after Rani Kapur challenged the validity of the RK Family Trust, claiming she was the sole beneficiary of the estate of her late husband Surinder Kapur, founder of the Sona Group.

Her petition alleged that a “systematic fraud” was carried out in collusion with her late son to transfer assets into the trust without her consent.

The Supreme Court had also observed that prolonged litigation at Rani Kapur’s age would serve little purpose and encouraged all parties to explore an amicable settlement.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISPUTE

Sunjay Kapur died on June 12 last year after collapsing during a polo match in England.

The dispute over his estate has since widened into multiple legal battles. Separately, the children of actor Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur have challenged the authenticity of his alleged will before the Delhi High Court.