Fruits of one's labour shouldn't turn into a curse: Court on Sunjay Kapur case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday suggested mediation as a way to resolve an ugly dispute related to the Rani Kapur Family Trust case, which erupted in the public eye following businessman Sunjay Kapur’s death last June and later landed in court.

The court further urged the parties not to let the fortune left behind after Sunjay Kapur’s death turn from a blessing into a curse and to respect family relationships.

Proposing an amicable solution to the legal battle over control of a Rs 30,000-crore fortune between Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, and his third wife, Priya Kapur, Justice Mini Pushkarna said, "Try to respect the relations Resolve it in a peaceful manner. These are fruits of someone else’s labour and a blessing on you. Let it not turn into a curse."

Multiple applications have been filed by various parties in the plea moved by Rani Kapur seeking dissolution of the family trust.

Senior Advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, appearing for Rani Kapur, sought preservation of the estate, expressing apprehension that the assets could be siphoned off.

During the arguments, the lawyer alleged that "Priya Kapur was acting in haste and in a fraudulent manner in dealing with the estate."

Rani Kapur’s daughter, Mandhira Kapur, and the children of actor Karisma Kapoor have supported her plea.

Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, appearing for Priya Kapur, said that when Sunjay Kapur took over the company, it was incurring losses, and through his hard work and leadership, he turned it around, eventually bringing it to a stage where the company was able to launch its IPO in 2021.

The Delhi High Court has, for now, issued notice on the applications moved by Priya Kapur seeking dismissal of the suit and directed the parties to file their responses within four weeks, with rejoinders, if any, to be filed within two weeks thereafter. The matter is now listed for hearing on March 23.

The main case challenges the RK Family Trust Deed dated October 26, 2017, as void and seeks restoration of assets allegedly transferred to the trust.

During the proceedings, the court advised all parties to respect the plaintiff, noting that she is a senior citizen and that family relationships should be valued. The Bench observed that the family had inherited significant wealth left behind by late Surender Kapur and remarked that such blessings should not be allowed to become a source of conflict.

The judge also noted from experience that family disputes often involve “half-truths and half-lies,” and encouraged the parties to sit together and resolve their differences respectfully.

- Ends