Sunjay Kapur Inheritance Row Heats Up: Priya Sachdev Files Criminal Defamation Against Mandhira Kapur Smith

Sunjay Kapur inheritance row: Priya Sachdev files criminal defamation case against Mandhira

Sunjay Kapur Inheritance Row Heats Up: Priya Sachdev Files Criminal Defamation Against Mandhira Kapur Smith

A bitter family feud over the estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapur has escalated into a full-blown legal war. His widow, actress and producer Priya Sachdev, has filed a criminal defamation complaint against Sunjay’s sister, Mandhira Kapur Smith, and another individual, alleging malicious statements that have damaged her reputation and interfered with the rightful distribution of the estate. This latest move marks a significant intensification in the Sunjay Kapur inheritance row—a saga that blends personal grief, financial stakes, and the complexities of Indian succession law.

Table of Contents

Background of the Dispute: Who Was Sunjay Kapur?

Sunjay Kapur, a low-profile but successful entrepreneur, passed away in 2023, leaving behind a substantial estate that includes real estate, business holdings, and financial assets. He was married to Priya Sachdev, a well-known name in Hindi television and film, who has since been managing his affairs and raising their children .

According to sources close to the family, Sunjay did not leave a clear, uncontested will, creating ambiguity over asset distribution. While Priya claims she is the legal heir and executor of his estate, Mandhira Kapur Smith—Sunjay’s sister—has reportedly challenged certain allocations, asserting her own rights under Hindu succession laws .

The Defamation Allegations: What Did Mandhira Say?

Priya Sachdev’s criminal defamation complaint, filed in a Delhi court, alleges that Mandhira Kapur Smith made false and defamatory statements—both in private communications and potentially in public forums—accusing Priya of mismanaging or misappropriating Sunjay’s assets .

The complaint further claims these statements were made with “malicious intent” to tarnish Priya’s character and influence third parties, including banks and legal authorities, against her. Under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code, criminal defamation is a serious charge that can carry up to two years in prison .

While the exact content of the alleged statements remains sealed, legal experts note that such accusations in inheritance disputes often revolve around claims of forgery, undue influence, or concealment of assets—claims that, if proven false, can indeed constitute defamation .

In the absence of a valid will, estates in India are distributed according to the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists). Key principles include:

  • Class I heirs: Spouse, children, and mother are primary claimants.
  • Equal rights: Sons and daughters have equal inheritance rights post-2005 amendment.
  • Siblings’ claim: Brothers and sisters are Class II heirs and only inherit if no Class I heirs exist.

Given that Priya and Sunjay had children, Mandhira’s legal standing as a sibling is limited unless she can prove the will is invalid or that assets were jointly held .

Family Dynamics and Public Fallout

What makes this case particularly sensitive is its intersection with celebrity culture. Priya Sachdev, known for her roles in shows like *Kasautii Zindagii Kay*, has largely stayed out of the limelight since her husband’s death. The public airing of this dispute threatens to expose private family tensions and could impact her professional reputation .

Meanwhile, Mandhira Kapur Smith, who lives abroad, has maintained a low profile. Her involvement suggests deep-seated disagreements over legacy and control—common themes in high-net-worth family disputes where emotions often override legal clarity .

Precedents in Bollywood: Other High-Profile Inheritance Battles

This isn’t the first time Bollywood has witnessed such feuds. Notable examples include:

  • The Sridevi Estate: Boney Kapoor faced scrutiny over asset distribution after the actress’s sudden death.
  • The Raj Kapoor Legacy: Decades-long disputes among his children over R.K. Studios and royalties.
  • The Jagjit Singh Case: A prolonged legal battle between the singer’s widow and son over music rights.

These cases highlight how even the most private matters can become public spectacles when fame and fortune collide .

Conclusion: A Private Grief Turned Public Battle

The Sunjay Kapur inheritance row underscores a painful truth: the death of a loved one can fracture families, especially when significant wealth is involved. Priya Sachdev’s decision to file a criminal defamation case signals that she is no longer willing to resolve this matter quietly. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear estate planning—even for those outside the public eye. For now, the courtroom has become the new battleground in a fight that began not with ambition, but with loss. Follow more on celebrity legal dramas at [INTERNAL_LINK:Bollywood_legal_disputes].

Sources

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