New.Delhi, 27 April (H.S.): The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the long‑standing inheritance dispute between Rani Kapoor, the 80‑year‑old mother of the late industrialist Sanjay Kapur, and her daughter‑in‑law Priya Kapur, be settled through mediation instead of prolonged litigation. A Bench headed by Justice J.B. Pardiwala observed that the drawn‑out battle over the RK Family Trust and the Sona Group assets would ultimately serve no real benefit to the elderly plaintiff and that both sides should now seek an amicable solution.

During the hearing, the Court asked the parties, “Why are you fighting at this stage of life?” The Bench noted that the age of the litigant is not suited for such protracted court battles and directed that the matter be explored through mediation so that the family dispute can be resolved peacefully. The Court added that stretching the case further would yield no practical advantage, especially for an 80‑year‑old woman involved in such a bitter succession quarrel.

Rani Kapoor has petitioned the top court seeking to dissolve the RK Family Trust, which was created to manage the family’s vast business and real‑estate assets after Sanjay Kapur’s death. In her plea, she has alleged that the formation and administration of the trust were shrouded in suspicion and irregularity, and that she was deliberately sidelined. She claims that the trust was set up without her knowledge or consent, that her signatures were obtained on plain papers or without her understanding the content, and that she was effectively pushed out of the trust structure.

The dispute is part of a larger multi‑crore inheritance conflict within the Kapur family, which has already been flagged by the Delhi High Court and public debate. By nudging the parties toward mediation, the Supreme Court hopes to avoid years‑long litigation and preserve both family ties and the value of the estate, while still allowing Rani Kapoor to seek a fair share through a consensual, negotiated settlement.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar