Court Asks Mother to Reply to Claims of Lying in Family Estate Fight

A court in Delhi has asked Rani Kapur to answer claims that she made false statements in a legal battle about her son Sunjay Kapur's estate. Her daughter-in-law, Priya Kapur, made these claims. The court wants to understand the truth about the family trust and the estate.
By Newsroom | Legal, India |

A legal dispute involving the estate of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur has escalated, with the Delhi High Court requesting Rani Kapur, the deceased's mother, to respond to allegations of making false statements under oath. This follows a plea filed by Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur's wife, who seeks the dismissal of Rani Kapur's lawsuit concerning the RK Family Trust. The court's intervention underscores the complexity of the inheritance claims and the court's desire for an amicable resolution.

Delhi HC seeks Rani Kapur’s stand on Priya Kapur perjury plea - 1

Background of the Litigation

The core of the current legal proceedings revolves around the distribution and control of the late Sunjay Kapur's estate, a matter estimated to be worth several thousand crore rupees. The estate includes stakes in the Sona Group, a prominent automotive component manufacturer. The dispute has drawn in multiple family members, highlighting a fractured familial landscape.

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Delhi HC seeks Rani Kapur’s stand on Priya Kapur perjury plea - 2

  • Plaintiff's Position: Rani Kapur, Sunjay Kapur's mother, has initiated legal action seeking to declare the RK Family Trust "null and void." She alleges the trust was created using "forged, fabricated and fraudulent" documents. Her suit aims to have the trust scrapped and all associated assets and benefits restored to her, asserting she has been wrongly disinherited.

  • Defendant's Allegations: Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur's third wife, has responded with a perjury plea against Rani Kapur. Priya Kapur alleges that Rani Kapur made "deliberate and false statements on oath" regarding her knowledge and signing of the RK Family Trust deed. She claims to possess "unimpeachable documents" such as affidavits and photographs to substantiate these claims.

  • Family Trust's Significance: The RK Family Trust is central to the dispute, holding a significant stake in Sona Comstar. Rani Kapur seeks to prevent any interim dividends from this trust, reportedly around ₹28 crore, from being transferred to Priya Kapur.

Court's Direction and Proceedings

The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna, has taken a multi-pronged approach to address the ongoing conflict.

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Delhi HC seeks Rani Kapur’s stand on Priya Kapur perjury plea - 3

  • Notice Issued: The court has issued a notice to Rani Kapur, compelling her to respond to Priya Kapur's plea for the dismissal of the lawsuit. This dismissal is sought on the grounds of alleged concealment and suppression of material facts, and the claim that the suit contains false statements.

  • Perjury Proceedings: Priya Kapur has specifically requested the initiation of perjury proceedings against Rani Kapur for the alleged false statements made under oath concerning the trust deed.

  • Inclusion of Other Parties: Responses have been sought not only from Rani Kapur but also from 22 other individuals. This extensive list includes seven grandchildren, and witnesses to a will that purportedly bequeaths Sunjay Kapur's entire estate to Priya Kapur. Notably, Sunjay Kapur's children from his second marriage with actor Karisma Kapoor, Samaira Kapur and Kiaan Kapoor, are also among the defendants.

  • Mediation Encouraged: The court has actively urged family members to explore mediation to resolve the dispute. Justice Pushkarna has expressed a desire for the parties to find an amicable solution, observing that inherited wealth should not become a source of "lasting family conflict" and lamenting the "very sorry state of affairs" where "dirty linen is being washed in public."

Key Allegations and Counter-Allegations

The legal arguments presented by both sides highlight significant discrepancies and claims of deception.

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  • Rani Kapur's Claim: Rani Kapur asserts that Sunjay Kapur never confirmed her divestment of rights, assets, or legacy, nor did he provide her with a copy of the purported RK Family Trust deed before his death. She also alleges that Priya Kapur rapidly assumed control of key Sona Group companies post-Sunjay Kapur's demise, securing directorial positions without consulting her.

  • Priya Kapur's Counter-Allegations: Priya Kapur's perjury plea centres on Rani Kapur's alleged denial of signing or reading the RK Family Trust deed. This directly challenges Rani Kapur's claims and suggests an attempt to mislead the court.

Timeline of Events

  • Sunjay Kapur's Demise: Sunjay Kapur passed away on June 12, following a collapse during a polo match in England, reportedly from a sudden cardiac arrest.

  • Legal Actions: Following his death, legal actions commenced concerning his estate and the RK Family Trust.

  • Court Hearings: Recent hearings have seen the Delhi High Court issue notices and seek responses from involved parties. The next hearing is scheduled for March 23. The court initially refused to pass an order on maintaining the status quo on the estate, opting to seek responses first. A subsequent hearing was scheduled for March.

Expert Analysis

While no direct expert commentary is provided in the source material, the court's emphasis on mediation and its observations about the public airing of family disputes suggest an underlying judicial sentiment favouring private resolution over protracted public litigation. The court's remarks about "washing dirty linen in public" indicate a concern for the family's reputation and the potential for irreparable damage to relationships.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The Delhi High Court's current stance focuses on obtaining responses from all parties, particularly Rani Kapur, to the perjury allegations and the plea for lawsuit dismissal. The court's encouragement of mediation signals a strong preference for an out-of-court settlement.

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  • Immediate Next Steps: Rani Kapur and other named defendants are expected to file their responses to Priya Kapur's application and the court's directives.

  • Potential Outcomes: The case could proceed to a full trial if mediation fails, with the court scrutinizing the evidence regarding the RK Family Trust's creation and validity. A finding of perjury could have significant legal ramifications.

  • Broader Context: This case exemplifies the complexities of estate disputes within prominent families, involving substantial assets and intricate legal claims, requiring careful judicial oversight. The court's aim is to foster resolution while acknowledging the deep-seated nature of the conflict.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the main problem in this case?
Rani Kapur is fighting with her daughter-in-law, Priya Kapur, over the large estate of her late son, Sunjay Kapur. They disagree about a family trust.
Q: What is Rani Kapur accused of?
Priya Kapur says Rani Kapur lied in court and made false statements about a family trust. She wants Rani Kapur to be punished for this.
Q: What did the court ask Rani Kapur to do?
The court asked Rani Kapur to give her answer to the claims that she lied. The court also wants other family members to respond.
Q: Does the court want the family to talk to each other?
Yes, the judge wants the family to try and solve this problem outside of court, maybe by talking it through together, to avoid more public arguments.