Sunjay Kapur Inheritance Dispute: What It Reveals About Property Transfer and Succession Planning

The untimely death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar, has triggered a high-profile inheritance dispute involving his family members — his mother Rani Kapur, ex-wife Karisma Kapoor’s children, and current wife Priya Sachdev Kapur. With property and assets reportedly worth over ₹30,000 crore at stake, the case has put the spotlight on succession planning, inheritance disputes, and property transfer in India.

The Background

Sunjay Kapur, 53, passed away on June 12 after a heart attack during a polo match. Soon after, questions arose around his Will and the rightful heirs to his massive business empire and personal wealth.

Kapur’s family dynamics add layers of complexity to the matter. He was earlier married to actor Karisma Kapoor, with whom he has two children — Samaira and Kiaan. After their divorce in 2016, Sunjay married Priya Sachdev in 2017, and the couple has one child together. His mother, Rani Kapur, is also asserting her share in the estate.

Why Is the Will Being Challenged?

The controversy revolves around the validity of Sunjay Kapur’s Will. Karisma Kapoor’s children have claimed that the Will is not registered and may have been forged or fabricated.

Their legal team has also questioned:

• Why was the will read hastily in a hotel setting?

• Why the executor, Shradha Suri, reportedly only became aware of the Will a day before the reading?

• Why did an employee disclose the Will?- raising suspicion about its authenticity

These doubts have led the family to approach the Delhi High Court, which has now directed all parties to file written statements. The case will be heard again in October 2025.

What Is at Stake?

Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading auto components firm with operations in India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the US. His net worth was estimated by Forbes at over ₹10,000 crore, with properties, bonds, and inherited assets adding to the estate.

Disputes of this scale highlight the need for clear succession planning, which is critical, especially when multiple heirs, stepfamilies, or large business assets are involved.

Legal Issues in the Dispute

1. Unregistered Will – While valid under Indian law, an unregistered Will is easier to challenge.

2. Suspicious circumstances – Courts examine whether the Will was executed freely or under influence.

3. Multiple heirs – When both children from a previous marriage and a current spouse are involved, property transfer becomes contentious.

4. Executor’s role – If the executor lacks transparency, courts may doubt the Will’s authenticity.

Lessons for Families

The Sunjay Kapur case underscores key lessons for anyone managing wealth and property:

• Register the Will – While optional, registration adds credibility and reduces disputes.

• Update Wills after major life events – Marriage, divorce, or children from different marriages should prompt a fresh Will.

• Appoint a trusted executor – A neutral and reliable executor ensures smooth administration.

• Communicate wishes clearly – Keeping heirs informed prevents shocks and court battles later.

The Bigger Picture: Why Succession Planning Matters

Inheritance disputes are not limited to billionaires. Every year, thousands of Indian families get stuck in litigation over property transfer, bank accounts, and business succession.

Clear estate planning ensures:

• Wealth reaches the intended heirs.

• Family relationships are preserved.

• Years of costly court cases are avoided.

Conclusion

The ongoing Sunjay Kapur inheritance battle is more than a celebrity story — it is a cautionary tale for every family. Without proper succession planning and transparent Will execution, even the most successful legacies can turn into years of disputes.

Whether your estate is large or modest, planning ahead through a well-drafted Will can secure your family’s financial future and prevent painful conflicts.