Delhi High Court Urges Restraint in Kapur Family Defamation Dispute
In a significant development within an ongoing defamation controversy, the Delhi High Court has formally advised Priya Kapur, the widow of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, and his sister Mandhira Kapur Smith to abstain from making any public statements about each other. The court, which has already issued summons in the civil defamation case filed by Priya against Mandhira, has strongly recommended that both parties consider mediation as a viable pathway to resolve their escalating legal conflict.
Justice Mini Pushkarna Issues Restraining Order
According to detailed reports from legal publication Bar and Bench, the restraining order was issued by a bench presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna during proceedings related to the defamation lawsuit initiated by Priya Kapur. In her formal plea, Priya has alleged that Mandhira Kapur Smith made numerous defamatory comments concerning her marriage to Sunjay Kapur, particularly through a podcast series that was released in late 2025.
During the court hearing, Justice Pushkarna emphasized the critical importance of both parties conducting themselves with responsibility and dignity, explicitly warning against transforming the private dispute into a public spectacle. The bench stated clearly, "We expect you not to make any public statements against each other… Conduct yourself with dignity, this is what the court expects." This directive has been issued as an interim measure, urging both Priya and Mandhira to avoid escalating the disagreement in public forums until the defamation case reaches a final resolution.
Podcast Remarks Spark Legal Battle
The civil defamation case originates from remarks that Mandhira Kapur Smith allegedly made during her appearances on the podcast InControversial, which is hosted by Pooja Chaudhri, in November and December of 2025. Priya Kapur has claimed that Mandhira implied her marriage to Sunjay was both troubled and illegitimate, with these assertions being further disseminated through various social media posts and video content. Notably, podcast host Pooja Chaudhri has also been named as a respondent in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Court Sets Deadline for Response and Next Hearing
In its latest judicial order, Justice Mini Pushkarna directed Mandhira Kapur Smith to submit her formal response within a period of five weeks to Priya Kapur's interim application, which seeks to prevent any additional allegedly defamatory statements. Summons have been officially issued in the defamation suit, with the court noting, "Issue notice. List after five weeks. In the meantime, both parties are directed to exercise restraint in making statements against each other, directly or indirectly." The subsequent hearing in this matter has been scheduled for May 14.
Substantial Damages Sought in Defamation Claim
In her legal application, Priya Kapur has requested the court to issue an injunction that would legally prevent Mandhira from making any further statements she considers defamatory. Additionally, Priya has demanded compensation amounting to Rs 20 crore for what she describes as severe "loss of reputation, mental agony, emotional distress and social humiliation." Her petition cites accusations that Mandhira repeatedly posted and shared videos identifying Priya and containing remarks intended to provoke public ridicule, hatred, and social isolation.
The plea further alleges that shortly after Sunjay Kapur's passing, Mandhira Kapur Smith "embarked upon a systematic and organised course of conduct aimed at maligning, humiliating and socially discrediting the Plaintiff [Priya Kapur]."
Legal Representation and Arguments Presented
Appearing on behalf of Priya Kapur, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh highlighted before the court several public statements allegedly made by Mandhira Kapur Smith. Singh argued, "A grieving widow and a seven-year-old son are subjected to such derogatory statements like that there was no bloodline present. She [Mandhira] is saying they (Priya and her minor son) are thieves, robbers, and third wife, and that she [Priya] was just filling the gap." He added that Priya Kapur has consciously refrained from giving any media interviews regarding the dispute.
Representing Mandhira Kapur Smith, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal countered that his client has also been subjected to public attacks and a coordinated smear campaign. Sibal contended, "Considering the relationship between the parties and media trials that are happening... It’s a telltale. Concerted media vilificatory campaign."
Ongoing Civil and Criminal Proceedings
The legal feud between Priya Kapur and Mandhira Kapur Smith encompasses both civil and criminal proceedings. Reports indicate that a criminal defamation case filed by Priya against Mandhira is already pending before the Patiala House Court in Delhi, while the present civil action has been initiated through advocate Smriti Asmita. For the immediate future, the Delhi High Court has instructed both parties to maintain public silence and refrain from making any further statements about each other until the matter is judicially resolved.
