The inheritance battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s nearly Rs 30,000 crore estate played out in court on Wednesday, as his wife Priya Kapur opposed a petition filed by his children from his first marriage with actor Karisma Kapoor.

The petition, filed on behalf of Kapur’s daughter Samaira and minor son Kiaan, contests a purported will dated March 21, which leaves Sunjay’s entire personal estate to Priya Kapur.

The children argue that neither their father, nor Priya, nor anyone else ever spoke of such a will during his lifetime.

Sunjay Kapur, who died during a polo match in England on June 12, is survived by his wife Priya and his children from both marriages.

The petitioners have sought one-fifth share each in their late father’s assets. Samaira authorized her mother through a general power of attorney, while Kiaan is represented by Karisma as his legal guardian.

Representing Priya Kapur, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar contended that the case was not maintainable, citing the acrimonious history between Sunjay and Karisma.

“This suit is not maintainable at all. I am his legal wife. The claims of love and affection – where was all this when they fought prolonged divorce legal battles in the Supreme Court? Your husband left you several years ago,” Nayar told the court, referring to the couple’s divorce finalized in 2016.

"The plaintiffs ought to have told your ladyships that acrimonious divorce proceedings ended up in the top court. So much love. We have a man who has died. Show some sympathy. I am a widow. I was his last lawfully wedded wife. Where were you? Your husband left you many years ago."

Priya also claimed that Karisma's children received Rs 1,900 crore worth of assets under the RK Family Trust.

"So much crying.. The plaintiffs received Rs 1,900 crore worth of assets under the Trust. I don't know how much is enough," she said.

In their civil suit,  Karisma's children alleged Priya attempted to forge their father's will to gain complete control over his assets.

The children have sought partition of the estate, rendition of accounts, and a permanent injunction against the defendants. The suit names Priya, her minor son, his mother Rani Kapur and the alleged executor of the will, Shradha Suri Marwah, as defendants.

Divorce and family disputes

Sunjay Kapur married Karisma Kapoor in 2003, but the marriage broke down amid publicized allegations of incompatibility and financial disagreements.

Their divorce was finalized in 2016 after a protracted legal battle in the Supreme Court. Karisma was granted custody of the children, while Sunjay retained visitation rights.

Following the divorce, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev, a businesswoman, in 2017. The couple has a daughter together, adding another dimension to the family’s inheritance dynamics.

The Kapur business legacy

Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading auto component manufacturer with global operations. The Kapur family, often described as one of India’s prominent industrialist lineages, has long been associated with the automotive and manufacturing sectors.

With Sunjay’s sudden death, questions over the control and distribution of his personal fortune, estimated at Rs 30,000 crore, have become a key focus.

While corporate holdings are subject to board governance, the division of his personal assets is now at the heart of the courtroom clash.

What lies ahead

Justice Jyoti Singh is presiding over the matter. The case will hinge on the validity of the March 21 will and whether Sunjay’s estate should be distributed equally among his heirs. The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications not only for the family but also for the governance of the Kapur business empire.