The Supreme Court asked the parties to avoid public statements and social media comments, observing that the dispute concerning the Rani Kapur Family Estate should remain confined within the family.
The Supreme Court has sent the family estate dispute between Rani Kapur, mother of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, and Priya Sachdev Kapur, his widow, to mediation.
A Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order after both sides agreed to explore an amicable settlement.
Former Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud will act as the mediator in the dispute relating to the Rani Kapur Family Estate.
The Court said it would wait for a preliminary report from Justice Chandrachud before taking the matter forward.
Court Asks Parties To Avoid Public Statements
During the hearing, the Supreme Court advised the parties to approach mediation with an open mind.
The Bench also asked them not to make public statements or post about the dispute on social media.
Justice Pardiwala observed that the matter involved a family dispute and should remain within the family.
The observation came after Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Priya Kapur, urged the Court to ask Rani Kapur not to “wash dirty linen” on national television.
Mediation Limited To Family Members
The Supreme Court clarified that the mediation would cover only the family members.
In its order, the Bench said the parties should try to resolve the dispute at the earliest.
An amicable settlement, the Court noted, would serve the interest of all concerned.
It further observed that the dispute could become long-drawn litigation if mediation failed.
The order also requested all parties to avoid public statements and social media posts. In addition, the Court asked them to participate in the mediation proceedings with an open mind.
Rani Kapur’s Allegations Regarding RK Family Trust
Rani Kapur has alleged that the RK Family Trust/Rani Kapur Family Trust is fraudulent, null, and void.
According to her, certain persons illegally transferred her estate and family legacy into the trust without her knowledge or consent.
At an earlier hearing, the Supreme Court had suggested mediation. The Court had also observed that prolonged litigation at the age of 80, referring to Rani Kapur, would serve no real purpose.
Suit Pending Before Delhi High Court
Rani Kapur has also filed a suit before the Delhi High Court.
Through the suit, she claims to be the sole beneficiary and legatee of the estate of her late husband, Dr. Surinder Kapur, promoter of the Sona Group of Companies.
Dr. Kapur passed away in June 2015.
He had executed a Will dated February 6, 2013. Under the Will, his entire estate, including shareholding in various Sona Group companies, devolved upon Rani Kapur.
As per the suit, the Bombay High Court granted probate of the Will in January 2016.
All three of her children had given their no-objection before the grant of probate.
Allegation Of Illegal Transfer Of Assets
The suit alleges that several persons siphoned off Rani Kapur’s assets despite the probate.
According to the claim, they moved the assets through a “complex web of illegal transactions” and placed them into the RK Family Trust.
The suit further states that the trust came into existence in or around October 2017 without Rani Kapur’s consent.
Rani Kapur has also claimed that Priya Kapur took steps to assume control over key Sona Group companies soon after Sunjay Kapur’s demise.
As per the claim, Priya Kapur secured appointments as director and managing director within days of the funeral rites.
Rani Kapur has alleged that Priya Kapur did so without informing or consulting her.
Describing the RK Family Trust as “illegal, fraudulent and unregistered,” Rani Kapur has sought restoration of her entire estate and legacy.
She has requested the Court to restore the estate to the position that existed before the creation of the impugned trust.
Appearance
Senior Advocates Shyam Divan and Vaibhav Gaggar appeared for Rani Kapur.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi appeared for Priya Kapur.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Priya Kapur’s son, Azarias.
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani appeared for Karishma Kapoor’s children.
Senior Advocate Gopal Jain appeared for Raghuvanshi Investment Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Advocates Madhavi Divan, Navin Kohli, and Navin Pahwa appeared for other respondents.
Case Details
Case Title: Rani Kapur Versus Priya Sachdev Kapur And Ors.
Case Number: SLP(C) No. 13943-13945/2026
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Mediator: Former Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud
