Priya Sachdev Kapur, the widow of the late businessman Sunjay Kapur, was recently seen attempting to avoid media attention outside a Delhi court. Several videos circulating on social media show her hiding her face as she entered the Patiala House Court on Wednesday. Her lawyer was present, seemingly to shield her and address the photographers on her behalf.
Sachdev's court appearance was connected to a defamation suit she filed against Sunjay Kapur's sister, Mandhira Kapur Smith, citing "serious reputational harm". The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate heard the matter in-camera, during which Sachdev recorded her statement. The court has issued a notice to Mandhira Kapur Smith, requiring her appearance on March 12.
The defamation case is the latest development in an ongoing and increasingly complex legal battle surrounding Sunjay Kapur's estate, estimated to be worth around ₹30,000 crore. Sunjay Kapur, who was the chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away in June 2025. He was previously married to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children, Samaira and Kiaan. After their divorce in 2016, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev.
Samaira and Kiaan have also approached the Delhi High Court, contesting the validity of Sunjay Kapur's will presented by Priya Sachdev. They allege the will is forged and fabricated to exclude them from their father's inheritance. Adding another layer to the dispute, Sunjay Kapur's mother, Rani Kapur, has also approached the Delhi High Court, claiming a "fraudulent family trust" was created to unlawfully seize control of her son's estate. She alleges she was denied access to company information and that changes were made to the company's management without her awareness.
Priya Sachdev has also sought certified copies of Sunjay Kapur's divorce settlement with Karisma Kapoor from the Supreme Court. Mandhira Kapur Smith has opposed this request, arguing it is an attempt to divert attention from the core inheritance dispute.
Amidst these legal proceedings, Priya Sachdev has filed a criminal defamation complaint against Mandhira Kapur Smith, alleging defamatory statements were made against her across digital platforms. These statements, according to the complaint, contain "false assertions, insinuations, and personal attacks presented as established facts". Mandhira Kapur Smith has responded to these allegations, stating that she has not lied about anything and that her statements are based on court records. She also said she had not been formally notified about the defamation case and learned about it through social media.
The legal battles encompass both civil and criminal proceedings, highlighting the intricate and contentious nature of the family dispute over Sunjay Kapur's assets. The courts are now tasked with navigating these complex claims and counterclaims to determine the rightful inheritance of the Kapur estate.
