The Supreme Court on Monday encouraged a negotiated settlement in the ongoing inheritance dispute tied to the estate of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, observing that extended litigation may not be appropriate given the advanced age of his mother, Rani Kapur.

A bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala remarked that beginning a prolonged court fight at the age of 80 would not be ideal and urged the concerned parties to explore mediation instead of engaging in years of legal proceedings. While the court indicated it would examine the case on its merits, it emphasised that a peaceful resolution should be prioritised.

The legal battle stems from disagreements within the Sona Group family over the management and ownership of substantial assets. Rani Kapur has questioned the establishment and operation of a family trust, alleging that it resulted in her losing control over properties and financial holdings that she claims rightfully belong to her.

She approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court declined to grant interim relief or issue directions to safeguard the estate during the pendency of the dispute. In her plea, she sought protective measures to prevent any potential transfer or dilution of assets until the matter is finally decided.

The apex court noted that the case involves significant wealth and multiple stakeholders, factors that could prolong the dispute considerably. It observed that mediation might better serve the interests of all parties rather than a drawn-out courtroom battle.

In her petition, Rani Kapur alleged that the trust arrangement was created without her full understanding and consent. She claimed that after suffering a stroke in 2017, she was asked to sign various documents under the guise of routine paperwork, including blank sheets, which were later used to facilitate changes in asset ownership. She has accused her late son and his wife, Priya Kapur, of taking advantage of her health condition to transfer control of key holdings.

The situation intensified following Sunjay Kapur’s death in June 2025. Rani Kapur contends that Priya Kapur subsequently consolidated control over important group entities, effectively leaving her without a stake in the family estate.

The dispute is part of a larger inheritance conflict involving an estimated Rs 30,000-crore estate. Competing claims have also emerged between Priya Kapur and the children of actor Karisma Kapoor from her earlier marriage to Sunjay Kapur. His children, Samaira and Kiaan, are reportedly challenging the validity of a will that allegedly allocates most of his personal assets to Priya Kapur and her children. They have raised questions over its authenticity and claim that other close family members were sidelined.

With several related cases already pending before the Delhi High Court, the matter has become a multi-layered family dispute involving overlapping claims.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, representing Rani Kapur, argued that courts typically grant protective orders in high-value estate disputes to ensure assets are not dissipated during litigation. Lawyers for other family members have disputed her allegations and maintained that they too have grievances regarding the estate’s distribution.

The Supreme Court, however, reiterated that a mediated settlement could prove more practical and constructive, particularly given the petitioner’s age and the complexity of the issues involved. The case is expected to be heard again next week.