‘What more do they want...’ Priya Kapur clashes with Karisma’s kids over inheritance battle

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday heard a petition filed by actor Karisma Kapoor’s two children, who are contesting the will of late businessman Sanjay Kapur. During the hearing, his widow Priya Kapur said the children had already received ₹1,900 crore from the family trust and questioned, “What more do they want?”

What is the dispute about?

The case revolves around a will, dated 21 March, which Sanjay Kapur allegedly left behind. According to the document, his entire personal estate was passed on to his wife, Priya.

The petitioners Samaira Kapur and her minor brother Kiaan, claim the will was never spoken of by their father, Priya, or anyone else while he was alive.

Sanjay Kapur collapsed and died during a polo match in England on 12 June.

Samaira has filed the case through her mother Karisma, giving her power of attorney, while Kiaan, being a minor, is also represented by his mother as guardian.

Priya Kapur’s response

Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Priya Kapur, argued before Justice Jyoti Singh that the suit was “not maintainable at all.” 

“I am his legal wife. The claims of love and affection – where was all this when they fought prolonged divorce legal battles till the Supreme Court? Your husband left you several years ago.”

“The plaintiffs ought to have told your ladyships that the proceedings with ex-wife, acrimonious divorce proceedings, ended up in the top court. So much love. We have a man who has died. Show some sympathy. I am a widow. I was his last lawfully wedded wife. Where were you? Your husband left you many years ago.”

Priya herself told the court, “So much crying… The plaintiffs received Rs 1,900 crore worth of assets under the Trust. I don’t know how much is enough,”

What are Karisma’s children claiming?

The civil suit filed by Samaira and Kiaan alleges that Priya attempted to forge their father’s will in order to take full control of his assets. They are seeking partition of the estate, rendition of accounts, and a permanent injunction against the defendants.

The case names Priya Kapur, her young son, his grandmother Rani Kapur, and the alleged executor of the will, Shradha Suri Marwah, as defendants.

Claims of suppression

Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the petitioners, told the court:

“All along, the plaintiffs on enquiry were told by Priya Kapur that there was no will. Some property is held by a Trust. After some time, meetings and conversations between the ex-wife and present wife, it was decided that a meeting be held at Taj Mansingh Delhi for discussing the Trust provisions.”

He further said, “First, we were told there was no will by Priya Kapur, then suddenly we were told at the RK Family Trust meeting on 30 July that there was a will by late Sanjay Kapur.”

According to the children, Priya’s associates Dinesh Agarwal and Nitin Sharma kept the will hidden for over seven weeks and revealed it only at the family meeting on 30 July.

Other concerns raised

Jethmalani also pointed out, “The minors (Samaira and Kiaan) are class 1 heirs… one day before the funeral, she is made Managing Director of a company which controls substantial holdings in the Trust.”

He added that the “forged will” was not even registered.

When asked for clarification, Nayar responded that registration was not compulsory:

“The will is not registered as a previous top court does not mandate doing so.”