Priya Kapur Files ₹20 Crore Defamation Suit Over Podcast Remarks
Priya Sachdeva Kapur, widow of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, has initiated a significant civil defamation action before the Delhi High Court, demanding ₹20 crore in damages from Mandhira Kapur Smith and podcast host Pooja Chaudhri. The suit alleges that a series of statements disseminated through podcasts, interviews, social media posts, and republished online content have severely damaged her reputation and inflicted profound emotional distress.
Details of the Civil Defamation Claim
Filed under the court's ordinary original civil jurisdiction, the plaint seeks a formal decree for damages amounting to ₹20,00,00,000. This substantial sum is claimed as compensation for alleged loss of reputation, intense mental agony, and social humiliation suffered by the plaintiff. Kapur has also requested the court to issue permanent and mandatory injunctions. These legal orders would restrain the defendants from publishing or circulating any further allegedly defamatory content and compel them to remove all existing material from digital platforms, social media, and other media outlets.
According to the detailed plaint, Priya Sachdeva Kapur contends that shortly after her husband's passing in June 2025, a concerted campaign of false and damaging statements against her commenced. She asserts these remarks have unjustly tarnished her public image and personal dignity. The suit specifically highlights interviews aired on the podcast "InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri," where allegedly defamatory remarks were made. These comments were subsequently amplified through widespread sharing and republication on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X, significantly increasing their reach and negative impact.
The plaintiff argues that the persistent availability and circulation of this content continue to cause ongoing harm to her reputation and have created considerable distress for both her and her children. In a comprehensive move, apart from the substantial damages, Kapur has sought court directions for the defendants to issue a public, unconditional apology and retraction. This apology must possess the same prominence and reach as the original alleged defamatory publications. She has also formally requested the complete removal of all such content from every digital, social, electronic, and print media platform.
Background and Related Legal Actions
The plaint meticulously documents a sequence of past events and disputes within the family and business sphere to contextualize the current controversy. It references earlier disagreements, prior legal proceedings, and various communications that, according to the plaintiff, demonstrate a continuing pattern of hostility. Kapur claims the statements against her falsely question her integrity, professional conduct, and role in business matters, thereby adversely affecting her standing in society.
In a parallel legal development, Priya Sachdeva Kapur has also recently filed a separate criminal defamation complaint against Sunjay Kapur's sister, Mandhira Kapur Smith, and another individual. That complaint alleges the statements form part of a sustained and deliberate campaign to damage her reputation. Proceedings in that criminal matter have been initiated before a trial court.
Broader Family Dispute and Court's Mediation Suggestion
Meanwhile, in a separate but related family legal matter, the Delhi High Court, just two days prior, suggested mediation while hearing a suit filed by Rani Kapur concerning the RK Family Trust. This case involves a plea seeking the dissolution of the trust and the protection of the associated estate.
During the hearing, the court strongly encouraged all involved parties to attempt an amicable resolution of their differences. Emphasizing the paramount importance of preserving family relationships, the court observed that the assets in question resulted from a lifetime of effort and should be treated as a blessing rather than becoming a source of conflict. The court advised the parties to respect their familial bonds and strive for a peaceful settlement.
The court was hearing submissions on behalf of Rani Kapur, who expressed apprehension that the trust assets might be adversely affected and sought their preservation. During these proceedings, allegations were raised that Priya Kapur had acted hastily and in a fraudulent manner concerning certain estate matters. These submissions were formally placed before the court as part of Rani Kapur's plea.
Taking note of the familial nature of the dispute, the High Court proposed mediation as a viable path forward to resolve issues pertaining to the RK Family Trust and to avoid prolonged, acrimonious litigation within the family.
