The Delhi High Court on Thursday ruled that the burden of disproving suspicions regarding the authenticity of late businessman Sunjay Kapur's purported will lies on his wife, Priya Kapur. The court directed that his Rs 30,000 crore estate be frozen until all doubts are resolved.
Court's Directive on Suspicious Circumstances
Justice Jyoti Singh stated, "The legitimate suspicious circumstances raised by the plaintiffs will have to be completely removed by defendant number one (Priya Kapur) before the document is accepted as the last will." The judge emphasized that the plaintiffs had established a prima facie case requiring the protection and preservation of assets pending the suit's disposal.
Challenge by Sunjay's Children
Priya Kapur's claims based on the will have been contested by Sunjay Kapur's children from his previous marriage to actor Karisma Kapoor. The judge noted that if the assets are not preserved and Priya ultimately fails to prove the will's validity, Sunjay and Karisma's children—Samaira and Kiaan—along with his mother Rani Kapur, would be deprived of their legitimate share of the estate.
Interim Freeze on Assets
The interim order freezes equity shareholdings in three Indian companies held by the deceased and restrains the disposal of his personal effects, including artwork. Priya Kapur has been barred from withdrawing from her late husband's provident fund or accessing funds in his Indian bank accounts, unless the withdrawals are to meet Sunjay's obligations related to his divorce from Karisma. The court also prohibited her from operating foreign bank accounts and cryptocurrency assets.
Exclusions and Jurisdictional Limits
The order does not apply to Sunjay's immovable foreign assets. Priya's legal team argued that these assets fall outside the High Court's jurisdiction, a contention the court accepted for now.
Background of the Case
Sunjay Kapur died on July 12 last year after collapsing during a polo match in England. He suffered a cardiac arrest reportedly after ingesting a live bee. The legal battle over his estate continues, with the court prioritizing asset preservation until the will's validity is determined.
