The Delhi High Court has intervened in a well-known family disagreement related to the estate of Sunjay Kapur, telling Priya Kapur and Mandhira Kapur Smith to cease making public comments about one another as a suit for defamation moves forward. The court, in a strong warning to both, asked them to behave appropriately and not worsen the dispute in public.
Temporary Order Stresses Self-Control and Respect
Justice Mini Pushkarna and her panel gave notice on Priya Kapur’s request for immediate help and allowed Mandhira Kapur Smith five weeks to answer. The court commanded the two to be careful in what they said, either directly or indirectly, and showed it didn’t approve of the media making things worse. “We don’t want either of you to make public statements against the other… behave with dignity, that is what the court wants,” the judge said during the session. The case is scheduled for May 14, and the temporary order is to keep things proper while the claim of defamation is decided. The court also advised that the two think about mediation, showing the court’s preference for settled solutions in emotionally difficult family disagreements.
Defamation Suit Connected to Social Media and a Podcast
Priya Kapur, the wife of the late businessman Sunjay Kapur, has begun a civil suit for defamation, claiming that Mandhira Kapur Smith made statements which damaged her marriage and character. The statements were put on social media and in the podcast InControversial, which had shows in late 2025. The suit says the posts and videos identified Priya Kapur and had accusations meant to cause hatred, mockery, and being left out of society. Pooja Chaudhri, who hosted the podcast, is also a defendant. The papers state these communications made the damage to her good name worse after Sunjay Kapur died. Priya Kapur is asking for an order to stop further statements, and for Rs 20 crore in damages for loss of good name, mental suffering, emotional distress, and shame. The court has sent out summonses in the suit, and needs a response within five weeks.
Arguments from Each Side Regarding the Alleged Slander
Maninder Singh, a leading advocate for Priya Kapur, noted what he said were public remarks that questioned whether there was a real family line, and called Priya Kapur and her young son thieves and robbers. He told the court Priya hadn’t spoken to the media, and the statements made her seem like a third wife who was merely filling a void. Amit Sibal, a leading advocate for Mandhira Kapur Smith, answered that his client had also been the target of bad publicity. He called the situation a clear trial in the media and a planned effort to damage her reputation. He asked the court to pay attention to the overall atmosphere around the family disagreement.
Public Accusations, Digital Spread, and the Court’s View
The case shows how content on the internet and podcast appearances can quickly turn personal disagreements into crises of reputation. Courts usually walk a fine line between protecting a good name and protecting freedom of speech. In this case, the Delhi High Court took a sensible approach: a temporary limit to calm things down while the facts are tested by the papers and proof. The order also shows worry about the effect of public name-calling on close family – including a young child. By suggesting mediation, the court showed a settled agreement might be better for everyone than a long, public legal battle.
Separate Criminal Case and What’s Next
The civil actions are happening at the same time as a criminal suit for defamation brought by Priya Kapur against Mandhira Kapur Smith, which is before the Patiala House Court in Delhi. The civil suit was made by advocate Smriti Asmita, and the High Court has now set a clear temporary limit: no direct or indirect statements that damage someone’s good name while the matter is in court. Key steps in the process are set. Mandhira Kapur Smith must submit her answer within five weeks. The High Court will hear the case on May 14, when it might check whether the limit order has been followed, and think about further immediate help. Mediation is still possible if both sides are willing.
Why the Order is Important for the Sunjay Kapur Estate Case
While the defamation suit is separate, it is happening with the background of a delicate family situation often called the Sunjay Kapur estate case. The court’s insistence on self-control protects the proper legal process, lowers the risk of a trial in the media, and keeps the parties’ ability to settle the main disagreements without lasting damage to their reputations. For the time being, the High Court’s message is clear. Keep the debate out of the public area. Argue in court, not online, and behave with respect.
