The Supreme Court of India has strongly encouraged an out-of-court settlement in the high-stakes inheritance battle over the estate of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur. On Monday, April 27, 2026, a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi issued a notice to Sunjay’s widow, Priya Sachdev Kapur, and 22 others, while urging the family to prioritize mediation over “wasteful” litigation.
The bench directly addressed the counsel for Sunjay’s 80-year-old mother, Rani Kapur, remarking: “Why are you all fighting? This is not the age for your client to fight… go for mediation once and for all, from A to Z. Otherwise, this is a waste.”
The Dispute: A ₹30,000-Crore Empire at Stake
The conflict involves the vast assets of the Sona Group and the RK Family Trust, triggered by the sudden death of Sunjay Kapur in June 2025.
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Rani Kapur’s Allegation: She claims the “RK Family Trust” was created using forged and fraudulent documents following her stroke in 2017. She alleges her late son and his wife, Priya, took advantage of her medical condition to divest her of her rights and assets.
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Priya Sachdev Kapur’s Stance: As Sunjay’s widow, she claims control based on a 2025 Will that reportedly leaves the bulk of the personal estate to her and her children.
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The Third Front: Sunjay’s children with his ex-wife, actor Karisma Kapoor, have also joined the fray. They have challenged the authenticity of the will in the Delhi High Court, labeling it “forged” and accusing Priya of being “greedy.”
Key Legal Developments
The Supreme Court is currently hearing Rani Kapur’s plea for a status quo on the family’s properties to prevent the “dissipation of assets” while the case is pending.
| Party | Legal Objective |
| Rani Kapur (Mother) | To declare the RK Family Trust “null and void” and regain control of the Sona Group legacy. |
| Priya Sachdev (Widow) | To uphold the 2025 Will and her current management of the estate. |
| Karisma Kapoor’s Kids | To challenge the will’s authenticity and secure their portion of the inheritance. |
Why Mediation?
The Supreme Court emphasized that given the complexity of the trust structures and the advanced age of the matriarch, a courtroom victory might come too late to be meaningful.
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Preserving Legacy: Justice Pardiwala noted that courtroom battles rarely serve the interest of family harmony or business continuity.
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Speed: A mediated settlement could resolve the “A to Z” of the dispute in months, whereas a trial could span a decade.
Rani Kapur’s Reaction: Following the hearing, Rani Kapur stated she welcomes the SC’s suggestion, seeking only “truth, dignity, and the protection of what is rightfully mine.”
The Bottom Line: The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 7, 2026. This push for mediation follows a similar nudge from the Delhi High Court earlier this year, signaling a unified judicial front that prefers a “peaceful and equitable” resolution for the Sona Group family.
