The Delhi High Court is currently embroiled in a dispute over the estate of the late Sunjay Kapur, with claims and counterclaims flying between his children with Karisma Kapoor and his third wife, Priya Sachdev. A key point of contention revolves around the school fees of Karisma Kapoor's daughter, Samaira.
During a recent hearing, Priya Sachdev, through her Senior Advocate Shyel Trehan, informed Justice Jyoti Singh that Samaira's school fees for the current semester had been fully paid. This clarification was in response to allegations made by the counsel representing Karisma Kapoor and her children, who claimed that two months' worth of fees remained outstanding. Trehan stated that the winter semester fees were cleared in July, well before the current escalation of legal proceedings. She further asserted that Priya Kapur has been independently covering all educational and living expenses for the children since Sunjay Kapur's death, and that no evidence has been presented to suggest otherwise. Trehan's team also presented a payment receipt of approximately ₹95 lakh for the current semester, clarifying that the next installment is not due until December.
In response to this clarification, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Karisma Kapoor's children, argued that any payments made towards the children's fees and living expenses were not voluntary acts of financial support. Instead, Jethmalani claimed that these payments stemmed from binding Supreme Court directives issued during earlier matrimonial proceedings and should not be portrayed as goodwill.
The legal battle extends beyond the immediate issue of school fees. Karisma Kapoor's children have filed a civil suit, alleging that Priya Kapur forged Sunjay Kapur's will and is attempting to seize complete control of his business empire. The suit names Priya Kapur, her minor son Azarius, Sunjay's mother Rani Kapur, and the purported executor of the will, Shradha Suri Marwah, as defendants. The children claim they were excluded from the estate, despite alleged repeated assurances from their father that they would receive a rightful share. They further allege that Priya initially denied the existence of any will before producing one dated March 21, 2025, which bequeaths Sunjay Kapur's entire personal estate to her. This will is now at the center of the legal dispute.
Adding another layer to the complex family drama, Priya Sachdev's legal team has countered accusations from Sunjay Kapur's mother, Rani, stating that Rani Kapur continues to receive ₹21.5 lakh per month from AIPL, the holding firm of Sona Comstar, Sunjay's company. They claim her personal expenses are still being covered, similar to when Sunjay was alive.
Amidst the legal arguments, Justice Jyoti Singh has urged both parties to avoid "melodrama" and unnecessary theatrics during the proceedings. The court has emphasized the need to focus on the facts and avoid turning the hearing into a media spectacle.
Samaira Kapoor, the daughter whose school fees are at the heart of the debate, is reportedly studying at Tufts University in the United States. According to media reports, her tuition fee is approximately ₹95 lakh per semester. She completed her schooling at the American School of Bombay before pursuing higher education in the USA.
The case continues to unfold in the Delhi High Court, with the next hearing date yet to be announced. The court is tasked with navigating a complex web of accusations, financial claims, and familial discord to determine the rightful distribution of Sunjay Kapur's estate.
