SC Urges Mediation in Sanjay Kapur Estate Row, 80-Year-Old Plea
SC Urges Mediation in Sanjay Kapur Estate Row, 80-Year-Old Plea
The Supreme Court pushes for mediation in the Sanjay Kapur estate dispute, urging an amicable settlement as the 80-year-old Rani Kapur leads a plea to protect assets.
The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued notice on a plea filed by Rani Kapur in the estate dispute tied to late businessman Sanjay Kapur. The court sought responses from Priya Sachdev Kapur and 22 others, while also indicating that mediation could be the way forward to resolve the family matters.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and Vijay Bishnoi observed that extended courtroom battles in such matters may not serve anyone’s interest and questioned the need for ongoing conflict. The bench directly addressed the parties, saying, "Why are you all fighting? You are 80. This is not the age for your client to fight." They strongly urged, "Go for mediation once and for all, from A to Z. Otherwise, this is a waste." While leaving the door open for further hearings on merits if necessary, the judges emphasized attempting mediation first to resolve disputes peacefully and equitably.
Rani Kapur’s plea seeks directions to restrain respondents from interfering with the estate, assets, and related affairs, arguing that the estate has not been adequately preserved and raising concerns about possible dissipation. Senior advocate Shyam Divan appeared for her.
The case is likely to be listed next week, with mediation offering the potential for an amicable resolution and avoiding further protracted litigation. The dispute has centered on preservation of assets and management of the estate linked to the late Sanjay Kapur, highlighting the broader tension between private family interests and legal proceedings.
The court’s call for mediation underscores a growing preference to settle private disputes outside the courtroom, especially in high-profile estate matters, while keeping the possibility of merit-based hearings if mediation fails.
