The Delhi High Court has delivered a significant ruling in the inheritance dispute involving late industrialist Sunjay Kapur and his children, Samaira and Kiaan, from his marriage with Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor. The decision deals a blow to the secrecy push by Priya Kapur, Sunjay’s widow, and reaffirms the children’s right to transparency in their father’s estate.
Background: The ₹30,000 Crore Estate Under Fire
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent industrialist and former chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away on 12 June 2025 during a polo match in England, triggering a dramatic legal battle over his vast assets. His estate is reportedly valued at around ₹30,000 crore.
After his death, a will dated 21 March 2025 surfaced, leaving his entire personal wealth to Priya Kapur. However, his children from his earlier marriage—Samaira (born 2005) and Kiaan (born 2011)—challenged the will’s legitimacy, claiming forgery, suppression, and non-disclosure. The children contend they were never informed about the will’s existence until weeks later.
They argue that their exclusion is unlawful, especially given the long-standing bond they shared with their father, including frequent travels, personal involvement, and family commitments prior to his demise.
Court’s Refusal of NDA & Secrecy Demand
Priya Kapur sought to have the heirs sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or confidentiality clause as a precondition to examining the will and Sunjay’s asset list. She also proposed the formation of a “confidentiality club” to shield these sensitive documents from public view.
However, Justice Jyoti Singh of the Delhi High Court categorically refused this secrecy plea. The judge posed a critical question:
“If the children must remain bound by confidentiality, how will they ever defend their case?”
In short, the court rejected any mechanism that would stifle the heirs’ ability to litigate.
Instead, the Court allowed Priya to submit asset disclosures in a sealed cover, meaning only involved parties would have access—not the general public. This strikes a balance between privacy and legal accountability.
Priya Kapur Retreats, Submits Sealed Documents
Following the court’s directive and rebuttal from the children’s legal team, Priya Kapur withdrew her push for an NDA. She agreed to produce a sealed cover inventory of Sunjay’s movable and immovable properties. While the details remain confidential, access will be provided to Sunjay’s mother, Rani Kapur, and his children.
Priya’s legal team claimed that the children had already received ₹1,900 crore from a family trust (the RK Family Trust), but the children maintain they lack direct control or meaningful access to it.
Karisma’s Children Gain Stronger Legal Position
With the court refusing to allow blanket secrecy, Samaira and Kiaan are empowered to contest the will more robustly. They have long denounced the will as “bogus” and challenged Priya’s control over their father’s assets.
Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the children, strongly objected to Priya’s secrecy demands in court, pointing out glaring irregularities like wiped accounts and seized percentage shares. He asked: “What is there to hide?”
An intense courtroom moment was also witnessed when debates between advocates escalated—caught on camera and making headlines for the fiery exchanges between Jethmalani and Priya’s counsel Rajiv Nayyar.
Court Orders Asset Disclosure & Inventory
The Court has mandated that Priya Kapur file a comprehensive inventory of all assets as of 12 June 2025, including all movable and immovable holdings. That list must be shared with Sunjay’s children and his mother, though not published publicly.
The judge also clarified that the confidentiality club concept is not familiar or appropriate in Indian succession law, rejecting it outright as a tool in this case.
Additionally, Priya’s attempt to remove Sunjay’s sister, Mandhira Kapur, from the case was accepted: she had no standing in the dispute as she was never a formal party to the suit.
Key Takeaways & Broader Implications
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The ruling strengthens transparency over secrecy in inheritance cases.
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Heirs cannot be muzzled by confidentiality clauses that impede their right to contest claims.
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While asset details remain sealed, the children can access the documents and mount a legal challenge.
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Priya’s position is now more vulnerable, as criticism grows over the timing and legitimacy of the will.
In this high-profile Bollywood-legal saga, the Delhi HC has ensured that Samaira and Kiaan retain full legal agency over their late father’s legacy. They now possess a more robust foundation to question the will and assert their rightful inheritance.
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