Priya S. Kapur, wife of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, has filed a civil defamation suit before the Delhi High Court against her sister-in-law Mandhira Kapur Smith and Pooja Chaudhri, host of the podcast “InControversial.”
She has sought ₹20 crore in damages for statements allegedly made against her in the public domain.
Allegations Over Podcast Statements
According to the plaint, Mandhira Kapur Smith made remarks during the podcast portraying Priya Kapur as an outsider with no legitimate right to represent or manage the Kapur family legacy, estate, or business affairs.
The suit states that Smith claimed the family’s wealth and inheritance belonged exclusively to the “bloodline” and her children. She allegedly accused Priya Kapur of attempting to take control of the legacy and sideline other members of Sunjay Kapur’s family.
The plaint further alleges that the remarks suggested Priya Kapur improperly gained financial benefits and influence after her husband’s death. It also claims the podcast repeatedly framed her as dishonestly asserting authority over family assets and identity.
Alleged Digital Amplification
Priya Kapur contends that the defendants deliberately published and amplified the content across digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The suit asserts that this publication forms part of a broader pattern of hostility.
“The Defendant No. 1’s conduct is not isolated or accidental but forms part of a long-standing pattern of hostility, coercion and harassment, which earlier manifested in vexatious litigation, regulatory complaints and extortionate monetary demands made upon the Plaintiff’s late husband, and which has now been redirected against the Plaintiff after his demise,” the plaint states.
Claim of Reputational Harm
The suit describes the statements as defamatory per se, reckless, and malicious. It states that the allegations lack factual foundation and do not qualify as fair comment or protected opinion.
Priya Kapur further claims that the continued availability of the content has caused ongoing reputational harm, social humiliation, and emotional trauma to her and her children.
The case is titled Mrs. Priya S. Kapur v. Mandhira Kapur Smith & Anr and is currently pending before the Delhi High Court.
