After Sunjay Kapur’s demise in June last year, there’s been a family dispute regarding his Rs 30,000 crore estate. Sunjay’s mother Rani Kapur and his widowed wife Priya Sachdev have been at loggerheads with each other regarding it. In May, the Supreme Court had considered a fresh application alleging that significant corporate decisions were being advanced despite the dispute having already been referred to mediation. At that stage, the Court suggested that the mediation process should continue without any actions that could alter the balance between the parties. It had also indicated that it would engage with the Reserve Bank of India on the issues raised while ensuring that the mediation proceeded uninterrupted.Now as per the latest update on the matter, on Thursday, the Supreme court said that there is positive development in the mediation and Kapur family dispute is moving toward a mutually acceptable resolution, observing that the parties appear to be “close to a happy resolution” in the long-running disagreement over the RK Family Trust and the estate of the late Sunjay.A Bench comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran was informed that the mediation process, led by former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, had made significant headway. The mediator has already conducted six sessions, during which all family members participated in extensive discussions.The dispute centres on Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, and his wife, Priya Kapur, over issues related to the family trust and the distribution of the family estate. At the beginning of the hearing, Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Rani Kapur, informed the Court that while the mediation was progressing positively, an issue had surfaced regarding the mediator’s remuneration.”The mediation is continuing. There is one difficulty we are having,” Dave submitted. Appearing for Priya Kapur, Senior Advocate Sheryl Trehan told the Bench that another round of mediation had taken place just two days earlier.Taking note of the developments, the Court observed, “The report seems to be positive.” Dave then argued that his client, who is 80 years old, was financially incapable of paying the mediation costs.”She is 80 years old and does not have the money,” he said. Senior Advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari suggested that the parties themselves could work out the issue of payment. In response, Dave remarked that the opposite side had “deep pockets” and was in a position to continue covering the expenses.The Bench indicated that it would settle the matter. Dave also requested that the case be listed before November, citing Rani Kapur’s declining health and her concern that the proceedings should not be prolonged unnecessarily.Addressing the senior counsel present, the Bench remarked, “Who will pay the mediator? I am not talking about your clients. I am asking the senior advocates here.” The Court ultimately directed that, for the time being, the mediation fees would be borne by the RK Family Trust.Expressing optimism after reviewing the mediator’s report, the Bench observed, “After going through the report, we are very sure that you are all close to a happy resolution.”Taking the preliminary mediation report submitted by former CJI Chandrachud on record, the Court noted that six mediation sessions had already been completed. “The learned Mediator has interacted with all members of the family. We are happy to note that the mediation is proceeding quite satisfactorily. We are happy to note that parties are cooperating,” the order stated.The Bench further recorded that the parties had held detailed discussions and agreed to continue the mediation process in an effort to comprehensively resolve all pending disputes. The Court also acknowledged that the mediator had taken assistance from a senior Chartered Accountant during the proceedings, observing that the financial complexities involved justified such support.The Bench appreciated the personal participation of one of the parties represented by Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani in the mediation sessions. Accepting the mediator’s request for additional time, the Court allowed the mediation process to continue until November 2, 2026.”The learned Mediator has made an earnest request to allow time till November 2, 2026. We are sure and very much hopeful, in the manner in which the parties have cooperated, all disputes may get resolved amicably,” the Bench observed. Encouraging the family members to continue engaging constructively, the Court reminded them that extended litigation would serve no one’s interests.”We would like to once again remind the parties that they should go before the mediator with an open mind and heart and see to it that they don’t get dragged into long-drawn litigation,” the Court said. The Bench also directed that former CJI DY Chandrachud’s mediation fees would be paid out of the RK Family Trust, making its position unequivocal.”There should not be any further debate in this regard,” the Court clarified. Before concluding the hearing, the Bench observed that while the parties would remain free to pursue legal remedies if mediation ultimately proved unsuccessful, it sincerely hoped such a situation would not arise.”If the mediation fails, we will allow you all to proceed in accordance with law. But don’t allow that day to come,” the Bench remarked. Go to Source
