HC Orders Status Quo on Sunjay Kapur’s ₹30,000-Crore Estate Amid Will Dispute

The Delhi High Court has directed that the vast assets of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur be preserved, pending the outcome of a legal challenge mounted by his children from his marriage with actor Karisma Kapoor.

Passing an interim order, Justice Jyoti Singh observed that the “suspicious circumstances” surrounding Kapur’s purported last will must be fully addressed before it can be accepted as genuine. The court placed the burden of proof on his third wife, Priya Kapur, who is defending the will.

The dispute centres on an estate reportedly valued at around ₹30,000 crore . Kapur’s children have approached the court alleging irregularities in the execution of the will, including concerns over its authenticity and the handling of the original document.

Acknowledging a prima facie case, the court ruled that the estate must remain intact during the trial to prevent any potential loss to rightful heirs. It restrained any alteration in equity shareholdings across Kapur’s three Indian companies and barred the sale or transfer of personal assets, including artworks.

Additionally, withdrawals from bank accounts have been restricted, except for limited purposes such as meeting liabilities related to the children and obligations arising from Kapur’s divorce settlement. The court has also prohibited dealings in foreign bank accounts and cryptocurrencies linked to the estate. However, it clarified that no orders have been passed regarding immovable assets located abroad.

The court noted that if the assets were allowed to be dissipated and the will later found invalid, Kapur’s children and his mother, Rani Kapur, could be deprived of their legitimate shares.

Legal experts say the case underscores how courts handle disputed wills, especially when “suspicious circumstances” arise during their creation or execution. Such cases typically require detailed examination, including forensic analysis and witness testimony, which can prolong proceedings.

Sunjay Kapur passed away on June 12, 2025, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest during a polo match in England. His death triggered a high-stakes inheritance battle that now combines elements of corporate control, family conflict, and celebrity attention.

The matter will proceed to trial, where the court will determine the authenticity of the will and the rightful distribution of Kapur’s estate. Until then, the High Court’s order ensures that the business empire and personal wealth remain preserved.