New Delhi witnessed a fresh escalation in the legal battle over the estate of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur. His wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, has taken a strong legal step by filing a criminal defamation complaint against her sister-in-law, Mandhira Kapur Smith, and another individual.
Allegations of a Sustained Campaign
Priya Kapur alleges that Mandhira Kapur Smith launched a deliberate and sustained campaign to damage her reputation. She claims this campaign unfolded through multiple channels, including podcasts, social media platforms, media interviews, and republished online content.
The complaint, formally submitted before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Delhi's Patiala House Courts, details these allegations. It contends that Mandhira Kapur Smith's public remarks contain false assertions, harmful insinuations, and direct personal attacks.
Legal Arguments Presented
Priya Kapur's legal team, led by lawyer Maninder Singh, argues these statements were presented as established facts despite related issues being sub judice, or under judicial consideration. This, they claim, has caused serious reputational harm.
"Such conduct squarely attracts the offence of criminal defamation under the applicable law," Maninder Singh submitted on behalf of his client. The filing seeks criminal action for the alleged damage to Priya Kapur's reputation.
Background of the Family Dispute
This defamation case follows recent developments in other related court proceedings. In those matters, the court sought a response from actor Karisma Kapur, Sunjay Kapur's former wife. This was regarding a plea filed by Priya Kapur seeking certified copies of divorce-related court records involving the late industrialist.
Amid this legal backdrop, Mandhira Kapur Smith made public remarks to the media. She openly questioned Priya Kapur's "conduct and motives" in the ongoing matters.
Statements at the Heart of the Complaint
Mandhira Kapur Smith stated that if her brother, Sunjay Kapur, had intended to share certain information, he would have done so during his marriage. She further emphasized that divorce proceedings are confidential, especially when children are involved.
Priya Kapur has identified these specific statements as part of the "defamatory material" cited in her formal complaint. She asserts they are not private opinions but public attacks designed to harm her standing.
Remembering Sunjay Kapur
The late industrialist Sunjay Kapur passed away in June last year at the age of 53. His death occurred after he collapsed during a polo match in the United Kingdom.
Sunjay Kapur was first married to designer Nandita Maithani. At the time of his passing, estimates placed his net worth at approximately $1.3 billion, which translates to roughly Rs 10,300 crore.
Priya Kapur, now embroiled in this legal fight, was previously married to hotelier Vikram Chatwal before her marriage to Sunjay Kapur. The current dispute highlights the complex personal and legal entanglements surrounding a significant industrial fortune.
