The legal battle over the multi-billion dollar estate of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur has escalated into a criminal feud. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, his widow, Priya Sachdev Kapur, filed a criminal defamation complaint against her sister-in-law, Mandhira Kapur Smith, citing a “sustained campaign of personal attacks.”
This move comes less than 24 hours after the Supreme Court intervened in the dispute by seeking a response from actor Karisma Kapoor regarding Sunjay’s past divorce records.
The Defamation Case: Key Details
Priya Kapur’s complaint, filed at the Patiala House Courts in New Delhi, targets Mandhira Kapur Smith and the host of a podcast titled InControversial.
- The Allegation: Priya asserts that Mandhira made “false assertions, insinuations, and personal attacks” presented as facts across Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts.
- The Harm: The complaint states these remarks have caused “serious reputational harm” and attacked the sanctity of her marriage.
- Court Action: Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Siddhant Sihag formally registered the complaint on Saturday and has directed Priya Kapur to appear on January 21, 2026, to record pre-summoning evidence.
The Inheritance Dispute (The ₹30,000 Crore Battle)
The defamation case is a fallout of a larger war over Sunjay Kapur’s estate, estimated at nearly $3.6 billion (₹30,000 crore). Sunjay, the former chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away in June 2025 after a heart attack during a polo match in the UK.
| Parties Involved | Main Arguments |
| Priya Kapur (Widow) | Claims a will dated March 21, 2025, makes her the primary heir; wants access to Karisma’s divorce papers to clarify financial settlements. |
| Samaira & Kiaan (Children) | Assert the will is “forged and fabricated”; they allege digital evidence shows Priya was not in Gurugram on the day the will was signed. |
| Mandhira Kapur Smith (Sister) | Questions Priya’s motives, calling the attempt to access Karisma’s confidential divorce records a “diversion” from the will dispute. |
The Karisma Kapoor Connection
On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Karisma Kapoor after Priya sought certified copies of the 2016 divorce settlement.
- Priya’s View: She needs these papers to determine if the children’s financial claims were already settled years ago.
- Karisma’s View: Her legal team has opposed the plea, labeling it “frivolous” and an attempt to dig into confidential family matters involving minors.