The Delhi High Court on Monday heard explosive allegations in the multi-crore inheritance battle surrounding the estate of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, estimated to be worth a staggering Rs 30,000 crore.
Mother Alleges Exclusion and Asset Concealment
Rani Kapur, the mother of the deceased, through her senior advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, presented a poignant plea. She asserted that instead of grieving her son's passing, his wife, Priya Kapur, made concerted moves to take control of his vast assets. The court was informed that Rani Kapur was never made aware of her son's will, which, to her shock, completely omitted any mention of her, despite Sunjay having acknowledged that he received everything from her.
The legal plea argued it was "highly unlikely and improbable that Sunjay would make Priya the sole beneficiary of his personal estate." It emphasized that the late businessman "shared a deep bond and equal affection with all his children, his mother and other members of the Kapur family."
Marital Discord and Allegations of Hidden Assets
Advocate Gaggar detailed that marital troubles between Sunjay and Priya Kapur began in May 2023, leading to frequent conflicts. In a serious allegation, he claimed that Priya Kapur had concealed significant assets belonging to Sunjay in the list submitted to the court. These allegedly omitted assets include valuable paintings and bank balances.
The lawyer contended that Priya Kapur's primary focus appeared to be on securing control of the estate rather than mourning her husband's death. Rani Kapur's legal team argued that, at the very least, had Sunjay intended to exclude his mother, he would have explicitly stated so in the will.
Children from Previous Marriage Seek Protection
Adding another layer to the complex case, the court is also considering an interim injunction application filed by Sunjay Kapur's children from his previous marriage to actress Karisma Kapoor. Their plea seeks to prevent Priya Kapur from alienating them from their father's assets, ensuring their interests are safeguarded during the legal proceedings.
Justice Jyoti Singh, presiding over the matter, has scheduled the next hearing for December 3 to continue hearing arguments from all parties involved.
This high-stakes legal battle throws a spotlight on the intricate and often contentious family dynamics that can emerge following the death of a high-net-worth individual. With multiple parties, including the late industrialist's mother and children from different marriages, seeking to protect their claims, the case underscores the critical importance of clear estate planning. The proceedings in the Delhi High Court will determine the future course of this massive Rs 30,000 crore estate.
