The Supreme Court of India on Friday formally sought the response of Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor regarding a petition filed by Priya Kapur, the widow of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, in which she seeks a certified copy of the 2016 divorce settlement between her late husband and the actress. The matter comes amid ongoing legal disputes surrounding Sunjay Kapur’s estate and the inheritance claims by Karisma Kapoor’s children from her previous marriage with Sunjay. The top court’s directive to Karisma Kapoor signals a crucial development in a case that has garnered significant public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the complex legal questions it raises concerning estate succession and access to confidential divorce records.

Background: The Divorce Case and Settlement

The origins of the legal matter lie in the divorce proceedings between Sunjay Kapur and Karisma Kapoor, which were concluded in 2016. Sunjay Kapur had filed the divorce petition seeking to transfer the proceedings from the Mumbai High Court to the Delhi High Court, a move that required judicial approval. During the course of the proceedings, the court had recommended that the couple resort to mediation to settle disputes amicably and ordered the closure of all pending cases related to the divorce, thereby formally bringing the proceedings to an end on April 8, 2016. The court-approved divorce settlement outlined the terms regarding the distribution of assets, maintenance, and other financial arrangements between Sunjay and Karisma Kapoor.

Now, nearly a decade later, Priya Kapur, Sunjay’s widow and legal heir, has moved the Supreme Court seeking access to the full divorce settlement documents. She filed the application in November 2025, requesting the court to provide certified copies of the 2016 transfer petition and the accompanying records, including annexures, court orders, lawyers’ submissions, and other relevant documentation that formed part of the divorce proceedings. Priya’s petition emphasizes that as the lawfully wedded wife of Sunjay Kapur, married on April 3, 2017, she has a legitimate interest in obtaining these documents, particularly in light of ongoing litigation concerning her late husband’s estate in the Delhi High Court.

Estate Dispute and Current Litigation

The dispute over Sunjay Kapur’s estate escalated following his death in June 2025 in London due to a heart ailment. Sunjay’s 2025 will, dated March 21, 2025, reportedly bequeaths his entire estate to Priya Kapur, his third wife. However, Karisma Kapoor’s children from her marriage to Sunjay have challenged the validity of this will, alleging that it is a forgery. Priya Kapur has consistently denied these claims, asserting that the will is legitimate and reflects Sunjay Kapur’s final wishes.

In September 2025, Karisma Kapoor’s children moved the Delhi High Court to stake their claims in the estate, arguing for their entitlement to a share of Sunjay Kapur’s assets. This legal confrontation has intensified the need for clarity regarding Sunjay Kapur’s prior divorce and the associated settlement documents, as these records may have significant implications for inheritance claims and the distribution of the estate among the legal heirs. Priya Kapur’s petition to the Supreme Court is, therefore, directly linked to her need to substantiate her legal rights in the ongoing estate dispute.

Arguments Presented Before the Supreme Court

During the chamber hearing on Friday, Justice A.S. Chandurkar expressed a preliminary inclination to allow Priya Kapur access to the documents, noting her position as the legal heir of Sunjay Kapur. However, Karisma Kapoor’s legal team raised substantial objections concerning the maintainability of the application. Advocates Ravi Sharma and Apoorv Shukla, representing Karisma Kapoor, argued that Priya has no direct right to request documents pertaining to the divorce between Karisma Kapoor and her late husband. They contended that the proceedings and settlement were strictly between the two former spouses, and that Priya’s application represents a “frivolous attempt” to publicize confidential details and embarrass the actress.

Sharma further submitted that the divorce ruling and terms of settlement are already in Priya Kapur’s possession, suggesting that the fresh application was unnecessary and constituted an attempt to make private matters public. The legal team underscored the confidential nature of divorce settlements, which typically include sensitive personal and financial information, arguing that disclosure to third parties, even a legal heir, could compromise privacy and potentially violate principles of confidentiality established by the court during the original proceedings.

On the other hand, Priya Kapur’s counsel, senior advocate Maninder Singh, argued that her application is entirely legitimate, emphasizing that as Sunjay Kapur’s widow, she is entitled to access the records for official purposes in the pending Delhi High Court litigation. Singh pointed out that certified copies of the transfer petition and related documents are necessary for her to substantiate her legal position and respond to the challenges posed by Karisma Kapoor’s children, who are contesting her claims to the estate.

Supreme Court Directions

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Justice Chandurkar issued a notice to Karisma Kapoor’s legal team, directing them to submit their written objections in the form of a reply. The matter has been posted for further hearing after two weeks, allowing time for Karisma Kapoor to formally respond to Priya Kapur’s application. The Supreme Court’s decision will determine whether Priya Kapur, as the lawful widow and legal heir, can obtain access to the certified copies of the divorce settlement and associated court records from 2016.

The court has indicated that it is prepared to consider allowing access to the documents, subject to careful examination of the objections raised by Karisma Kapoor. This measured approach underscores the sensitive balance the judiciary must maintain between ensuring access to justice for heirs and protecting the privacy of individuals involved in confidential family proceedings.

Significance of the Petition

Priya Kapur’s petition highlights the intersection of family law, inheritance law, and privacy rights. Divorce settlements, especially those involving high-value estates, often contain sensitive financial arrangements, property ownership details, and personal covenants. Access to such records by third parties, even legal heirs, is not automatically granted and typically requires judicial intervention. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny in this case will set an important precedent for how legal heirs of a deceased party may access confidential records of prior matrimonial proceedings, particularly when those records are relevant to ongoing litigation over inheritance claims.

The case also illustrates the complexities that arise when multiple parties with competing claims are involved. Sunjay Kapur’s estate has become a focal point of legal disputes not only because of its substantial value but also due to the involvement of high-profile individuals in the Bollywood industry. The case is likely to draw continued public and media attention as proceedings unfold, given the prominence of the parties involved and the broader implications for inheritance law and access to confidential legal records.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As of now, the Supreme Court has formally sought Karisma Kapoor’s response to the petition and scheduled the next hearing for two weeks later. The court will examine her objections and consider whether Priya Kapur, in her capacity as Sunjay Kapur’s widow and legal heir, is entitled to access the complete records of the 2016 divorce settlement and the transfer petition.

The outcome of this petition will play a critical role in shaping the ongoing litigation in the Delhi High Court, where Karisma Kapoor’s children are contesting the validity of Sunjay Kapur’s 2025 will. The case continues to unfold, and the Supreme Court’s decision will likely have a significant impact not only on the distribution of Sunjay Kapur’s estate but also on legal principles regarding access to confidential court records by heirs of deceased individuals.

In summary, the petition filed by Priya Kapur, the objections raised by Karisma Kapoor, and the Supreme Court’s careful consideration of both sides represent a complex legal battle that involves issues of estate inheritance, privacy, and the rights of legal heirs. The case remains under judicial scrutiny, and all eyes are on the forthcoming hearings to see how the court navigates these competing interests while delivering a fair and legally sound judgment.