Background of the dispute
The Delhi High Court is hearing a contested inheritance case concerning late businessman Sunjay Kapur. Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan, are challenging the authenticity of a will that purportedly outlines the distribution of Sunjay Kapur’s estate. The proceedings have drawn public attention as senior counsel highlight procedural and linguistic irregularities that could impact the inheritance’s trajectory.
Language anomalies in the will
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani drew attention to what he described as serious inconsistencies in the document’s language. He pointed out that the will uses feminine forms of the testator—such as “she” and “her”—in references to Sunjay Kapur. He argued that this language is implausible for a man known for precision and has been presented as a sign of possible manipulation or fabrication. The argument centers on a clause that reads, “Signed and declared by Sunjay Kapur the testatrix above named as and for her last will.” Such phrasing, he contends, undermines the document’s credibility if it was indeed authored by Sunjay Kapur.
Implications of the wording
Proponents of the challenge say that a will with inconsistent pronouns could cast doubt on its origin or the testator’s states of mind at the time of execution. Opponents may argue that odd phrasing could result from clerical errors or drafting by others. Regardless, the wording has become a focal point in the court’s assessment of whether the will reflects Sunjay Kapur’s intended final testament.
Questions about the will’s origin
Jethmalani questioned who drafted the document and where it originated. He noted that the will appears to lack a concrete handwriting sample, an authentic digital footprint, or a clear timeline of when and where the instrument was signed. The court has also heard that there is no explicit record of the will’s draughtsman among the named parties or witnesses. The absence of physical signatures and the uncertain chain of custody have fueled arguments about whether the document represents Sunjay Kapur’s unambiguous will or someone else’s creation.
Family dynamics and control of the estate
In the court proceedings, Priya Kapur and other respondents have argued that the petition may be rooted in personal motives, including the desire to influence the distribution of assets. Jethmalani described Priya Kapur’s role as leveraging the situation under the guise of widowhood, while asserting that the real concern is safeguarding the future of Karisma Kapoor’s children. The crossfire has focused not only on the document’s language but also on who presently exercises control over the estate and how assets are managed.
Procedural questions and next steps
Observers note concerns about the document’s registration, its circulation, and the completeness of accompanying affidavits. Questions persist about witness credibility, the exact time and location of signing, and whether the testator’s mother, Rani Kapur, is acknowledged in the text. The court’s schedule indicates a continuation of arguments, with the October 15 hearing earmarked to address these critical issues and determine whether the will stands or falls under judicial scrutiny.
What this means for the beneficiaries
If the court finds significant flaws in the will’s authenticity or origin, the estate could revert to more standard succession processes or be redistributed according to applicable laws. For Karisma Kapoor’s family, the outcome could redefine how assets are allocated and who has control over family wealth. The case remains a high-stakes, closely watched example of how language, provenance, and personal histories influence modern inheritance disputes.
