Relief for Karisma Kapoor’s children as Delhi court freezes Sunjay Kapur’s assets

The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered that the assets of businessman Sunjay Kapur, who died in London in June last year, leaving behind an estate worth around Rs 30,000 crore, be preserved amid a dispute between his third wife, Priya Sachdeva Kapur, and his children Kiaan and Samaira from his second marriage to actor Karisma Kapoor.

Kiaan and Samaira have alleged that Priya Kapur forged a will attributed to Sunjay Kapur and submitted an incomplete disclosure of his assets.

They claim that the list does not include expensive polo horses and luxury wristwatches from brands such as Audemars Piguet and Rolex.

Acknowledging these suspicions, the Delhi High Court bench led by Justice Jyoti Singh said the assets, including his foreign holdings and cryptocurrency investments, “need to be preserved” and “should not be dissipated,” and granted an interim injunction restraining Priya Kapur from selling them.

It further observed that the onus is on Priya Kapur to dispel suspicions over the authenticity of the will, noting that Karisma Kapoor’s children have made out a prima facie case.

Furthermore, the court restrained the transfer of personal belongings, artwork, and provident fund payouts, noting that Priya Kapur had previously consented to some of these restrictions. Emphasising the need for equity, the judge stated that allowing the assets to be liquidated at this stage would be unjust to the children if the will does not hold up in court. The matter will now proceed to trial to determine the inheritance’s legal standing.

“I have restrained her from withdrawing the provident fund amount, something that she has consented to. I have also restrained from alienating personal effects, artwork, etcetra, which too was consented to,” the court said. “I have incurred withdrawals from three bank accounts across two Indian banks,” it further added.

As the court suggests, a caveat was provided allowing for the withdrawal of funds strictly to meet financial liabilities towards the children, as mandated by the divorce settlement between Sunjay and Karisma Kapoor.

– Ends

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