Delhi High Court Inheritance Battle: Priya Kapur Opposes Forensic Test of Sunjay Kapur’s Will
Children of Karisma Kapoor allege forgery in ₹30,000 crore estate dispute
Indian succession laws stress probate, authenticity, and forensic checks in contested Wills
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 17, 2025:
The inheritance battle over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s colossal ₹30,000 crore estate has taken a dramatic turn. His widow Priya Sachdev Kapur has opposed forensic examination of the Will that forms the basis of her claim to his personal assets and control over the Sona Comstar Group. The dispute, now before the Delhi High Court, pits Priya against Sunjay’s children from his earlier marriage to actor Karisma Kapoor, who allege the Will is forged and demand scientific verification.
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Background of the case
- Sunjay Kapur’s death: He passed away in June 2025, leaving behind a vast estate and corporate holdings.
- The Will: Priya claims the Will grants her control over his assets, but its executor, Shradha Suri Marwah, has changed her version multiple times about how she received the document.
- Children’s challenge: Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapur, argue that forensic testing—covering handwriting, ink, and paper analysis—is essential to confirm authenticity.
- Court proceedings: The matter is being heard by Joint Registrar Gagandeep Jindal of the Delhi High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Laws surrounding inheritance and Wills in India
1. Indian Succession Act, 1925
- Governs testamentary succession (inheritance through Wills).
- A valid Will must be signed by the testator and attested by at least two witnesses.
- Probate (court certification of the Will) is mandatory in certain jurisdictions, including Delhi, when disputes arise.
2. Probate proceedings
- Probate is the legal process of proving a Will’s authenticity.
- Courts examine signatures, witnesses, and circumstances of execution.
- If contested, forensic experts may be called to verify handwriting, ink age, and paper consistency.
3. Forgery and fraud concerns
- If a Will is proven forged, it is invalid, and succession follows intestate rules (inheritance without a Will).
- Under Hindu Succession Act, 1956, property would then devolve equally among legal heirs (children, spouse, parents).
4. Role of executors
- Executors are responsible for carrying out the Will.
- Changing versions or inconsistent testimony by executors can weaken credibility and invite forensic scrutiny.
Why forensic testing matters
Legal experts note that forensic examination is routine in contested probate cases. It helps courts determine:
- Whether the signature matches the testator’s known handwriting.
- Whether the ink and paper are consistent with the claimed date of execution.
- Whether alterations or insertions exist.
Priya Kapur’s resistance to forensic testing is unusual, as courts often rely on such scientific methods to settle doubts. Blocking this process could amplify suspicions surrounding the Will.
Social and financial implications
- Corporate control: The dispute affects ownership of Sona Comstar Group, a major auto components company valued at over ₹30,000 crore.
- Family feud: The case has reignited tensions between Priya Kapur and Karisma Kapoor’s family, drawing public attention due to Bollywood connections.
- Investor concerns: Prolonged litigation may impact corporate governance and investor confidence in Sona Comstar.
- Legal precedent: The case could set a precedent for how courts handle contested Wills in high-value estates.
Expert commentary
Legal scholars emphasize:
- Transparency: Forensic testing ensures fairness and transparency in probate disputes.
- Burden of proof: The party relying on the Will (Priya Kapur) must prove its authenticity.
- Judicial caution: Courts are cautious in inheritance disputes involving massive estates, as fraud risks are high.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s handling of the Sunjay Kapur inheritance row will be closely watched. At stake is not only a ₹30,000 crore fortune but also the credibility of India’s succession laws. The case highlights the importance of probate, forensic verification, and transparency in inheritance disputes.
If the Will is proven genuine, Priya Kapur may inherit control of the estate. If found forged, succession will follow intestate rules, benefiting Sunjay’s children. Either way, the ruling will shape corporate governance and family law debates in India.
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