The high-stakes legal battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s ₹30,000 crore estate took a dramatic turn on Friday as the Delhi High Court heard fresh allegations regarding unpaid educational expenses of one of his children. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing on behalf of actor Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan, told the court that the two-month school fee of Samaira, who is studying in the United States, had not been paid.

Jethmalani submitted that the financial responsibility for the children’s expenses lay solely with Sunjay under the matrimonial decree that governed Karisma and Sunjay’s divorce settlement. He further pointed out that the children’s estate and financial management currently rests with Priya Kapur, Sunjay’s widow, and therefore it was “up to her” to ensure that all dues were cleared.

The comments triggered an immediate response from the bench and opposing counsel, prompting the judge to caution both sides against turning the hearing into a spectacle.

Court cautions against theatrics

After hearing the submissions, Justice Jyoti Singh remarked, “I don’t want this hearing to be melodramatic,” according to a report by Bar and Bench. The judge noted that the issue of unpaid fees should not have escalated to the courtroom unless substantively relevant to the injunction proceedings.

Reinforcing the court’s stance on maintaining decorum, Justice Singh asked both sides to ensure that minor administrative matters do not repeatedly find their way into the court. “I don’t want to spend more than 30 seconds on this. This question should not come to my court again,” she said, urging the senior counsel to exercise restraint while presenting such grievances.

Priya Kapur contests claim of unpaid fees

The allegation of non-payment was strongly refuted by senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Kapur. Nayar argued that every financial request submitted by the children had been fulfilled, and said the allegation appeared designed to “make it to the newspapers” rather than present a genuine financial issue.

He also insisted that Priya Kapur has complied with all obligations related to the children’s welfare and that no arrears exist with regard to their overseas education or personal expenses.

Senior advocate Shyel Trehan, also appearing for Priya, was directed by the court to ensure that disagreements of this nature do not lead to repeated litigation and that both parties handle sensitive issues responsibly.

Background of the dispute

The latest development comes amid a larger inheritance dispute initiated by Karisma Kapoor’s children following the sudden death of their father Sunjay Kapur, who passed away in London earlier this year after suffering a heart attack during a polo match.

The children, Samaira and Kiaan, have sought an interim injunction to prevent Priya Kapur from alienating or transferring any of Sunjay’s assets until the court adjudicates their claim. They have accused Priya of forging Sunjay’s will, asserting that the document granting Priya complete control over the estate is invalid.

Priya Kapur has denied the allegations and maintains that Sunjay’s will is legitimate. The matter has since escalated into one of the most widely followed inheritance disputes in recent years because of the scale of the assets involved and the celebrity profile of the parties.

Arguments to continue next week

The High Court has listed the matter for further hearing next week, when arguments on the interim injunction application will continue. The court is expected to examine the validity of the will, the management of the children’s estate, and whether any immediate restrictions need to be placed on the transfer or disposal of Sunjay’s assets.

Conclusion

The dispute—straddling personal, financial and legal complexities—continues to grow more contentious as both sides present competing narratives on Sunjay Kapur’s estate and children’s welfare. With allegations of forgery, unpaid dues and control over assets at the centre of the conflict, the upcoming hearings are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the future of the Kapur family’s vast wealth.