Priya Sachdeva Kapur has initiated legal action by filing a criminal defamation complaint. She targets Mandhira Kapur Smith, the sister of late business tycoon Sunjay Kapur, and another individual. The complaint alleges a sustained campaign to harm her reputation through various public platforms.
Details of the Defamation Complaint
Priya Kapur submitted the complaint to the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi. She claims that Mandhira Kapur Smith and the other person made false statements, insinuations, and personal attacks. These remarks appeared on podcasts, social media, and in media interviews.
The complaint argues that these actions constitute a deliberate effort to damage her reputation. It highlights that the matter is currently sub-judice, yet the defendants continued their public statements. This behavior, according to Priya Kapur, has caused significant harm to her public image.
Legal Representation and Arguments
Senior advocate Maninder Singh and counsel Smriti Asmita represent Priya Kapur in this case. Maninder Singh contends that the defendants' conduct falls squarely under the offence of criminal defamation under Indian law.
The complaint specifically points to material circulating in the public domain. It alleges that this material promotes misleading narratives and allegations. The aim, according to the filing, is to malign and harass Priya Kapur through public discourse rather than through proper legal channels.
Background and Recent Proceedings
The defamation case follows recent court proceedings related to Sunjay Kapur's estate. In those proceedings, the court asked actor Karisma Kapoor, Sunjay Kapur's former wife, to respond to Priya Kapur's plea. Priya Kapur sought certified copies of divorce-related court records involving the late industrialist.
In this context, Mandhira Kapur Smith made public statements questioning Priya Kapur's conduct and motives. She suggested that if her brother had intended to share certain information, he would have done so during his marriage. She also emphasized the confidentiality of divorce proceedings, especially when children are involved.
Priya Kapur claims these statements form part of the defamatory material cited in her complaint. She has sought criminal action from the court to address the alleged damage to her reputation.
The Sunjay Kapur Inheritance Dispute
This defamation case unfolds alongside the ongoing dispute over Sunjay Kapur's substantial estate. Reports indicate his assets are worth approximately ₹30,000 crore. Karisma Kapoor's children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj, have challenged the authenticity of their late father's will before the Delhi High Court.
The children reportedly identified glaring errors in the document. They argued that Sunjay Kapur could not have prepared the will himself. This inheritance row adds another layer of complexity to the legal battles surrounding the Kapur family.
Priya Kapur's defamation complaint seeks to hold individuals accountable for public statements. She aims to protect her reputation through legal means amidst these high-profile family disputes.
