Kapoor Inheritance Battle Intensifies Over Unpaid College Fees
The high-stakes inheritance dispute surrounding the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur's estimated Rs 30,000 crore estate has taken a dramatic turn in the Delhi High Court. Lawyers representing actor Karisma Kapoor's children have alleged that their daughter Samaira's college fees in the United States have remained unpaid for two months, escalating the legal battle with their stepmother, Priya Sachdev Kapur.
Court Proceedings Turn Contentious
During Friday's hearing, advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Samaira and Kiaan Kapur through their mother Karisma as legal guardian, made serious allegations about the financial neglect. "The children's estate is with Defendant No.1 (Priya Kapur). So, it's up to her. Two months' fee of the daughter who is studying in the US has not been provided," Jethmalani stated before Justice Jyoti Singh.
The lawyer referred to the matrimonial decree that required Sunjay Kapur to cover all educational and other expenses for his children from his marriage with Karisma Kapoor. The couple had been married for 13 years from 2003 to 2016 before their divorce, sharing two children - Samaira and Kiaan.
Legal Teams Clash in Court
Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Priya Kapur, strongly contested the allegations, maintaining that all legitimate expenses raised by the children had been covered by his client. He argued that these issues were being highlighted in court primarily to attract media attention rather than address genuine concerns.
The exchange prompted Justice Jyoti Singh to intervene with a firm warning against courtroom theatrics. "I don't want to spend more than 30 seconds on this. This question should not come to my court again. I don't want this hearing to be melodramatic. I put this onus on you. This point should not come again," the judge remarked, expressing her desire to avoid unnecessary drama in the proceedings.
Broader Inheritance Dispute Background
The fee payment issue emerges within the context of a larger inheritance battle that surfaced following Sunjay Kapur's death earlier this year. The industrialist, who later married Priya Sachdev Kapur, left behind a massive estate valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore.
Samaira and Kiaan, through their mother Karisma Kapoor, have approached the Delhi High Court alleging that Priya forged Sunjay's will. The children claim their father had repeatedly assured them of their rightful share in the inheritance, assurances they say were conspicuously absent from the will presented by Priya at a family meeting on July 30.
Adding another dimension to the controversy, Sunjay's sister Mandira Kapur Smith recently spoke openly in an interview, accusing Priya of contributing to the breakdown of Sunjay's marriage with Karisma. She described how the couple were in a "good place" when Priya entered the picture, particularly after the birth of their son Kiaan.
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 19 and has expressed its intention to conclude arguments on the interim injunction application expeditiously. As the legal battle continues, the welfare of the Kapoor children remains at the forefront of this high-profile inheritance dispute that has captured national attention.
