Sanjay Kapoor: Legal Dispute Over Estate Brings Divorce Records Back Into Focus
Sanjay Kapoor: The passing of industrialist Sanjay Kapoor has triggered a complex legal battle over inheritance that is now unfolding across multiple courts in India. What initially appeared to be a routine succession matter has gradually evolved into a sensitive dispute involving past marital agreements, confidential divorce records, and competing claims from family members. The case has attracted public attention because of Sanjay Kapoor’s former marriage to Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor and the subsequent legal steps taken by his second wife, Priya Kapoor.
Background of the Inheritance Case
After the death of Sanjay Kapoor in July last year, proceedings related to the distribution of his assets were initiated in the Delhi High Court. These proceedings involve questions about property ownership, succession rights, and the legal validity of documents submitted by different parties. The matter has become increasingly complicated due to disagreements between Sanjay Kapoor’s children from his first marriage and his second wife.
The inheritance case is currently under judicial consideration, and several interim applications have already been filed. These applications aim to clarify who has legitimate rights over the late industrialist’s estate and whether any submitted records contain discrepancies that could affect the final outcome.
Request for Divorce Documents From 2016
One of the most notable developments in the case is the request made by Priya Kapoor for access to divorce documents related to Sanjay Kapoor’s previous marriage. She approached the Supreme Court in late November 2025, seeking certified copies of the divorce settlement finalized in 2016 between Sanjay Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor.
This request was filed just days before the Delhi High Court reserved its order on an injunction related to the inheritance dispute. The timing of the petition has raised questions about its relevance and urgency, especially since the divorce proceedings were concluded nearly a decade ago and were kept confidential.
The Supreme Court has now scheduled the matter for hearing on Friday, January 16, where it will consider whether such documents can be disclosed to a third party.
Nature of the Divorce Settlement
The divorce between Sanjay Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor was finalized in 2016 following a high-profile but private legal process. The hearings took place in the judge’s chambers, and the details of the settlement were disclosed only to the two parties involved. The separation was completed through mutual consent, which allowed both sides to reach an agreement without prolonged litigation.
As recorded by the Supreme Court at the time, the settlement included clear terms regarding child custody and parental rights. Karisma Kapoor was granted full custody of the couple’s two children, while Sanjay Kapoor was allowed visitation rights. Financial and property-related clauses of the agreement were not made public, contributing to the current uncertainty surrounding their relevance to the inheritance case.
Children’s Objections and Legal Claims
Sanjay Kapoor’s children, Samaira Kapoor and Kiaan Kapoor, have become central figures in the ongoing dispute. Acting through legal representatives, they have raised objections to the claims made by Priya Kapoor and have questioned the authenticity of certain documents submitted on her behalf.
According to media reports, the children have sought criminal action in the Supreme Court, alleging inconsistencies in the digital records of Priya Kapoor’s will that was filed before the Delhi High Court. They argue that these inconsistencies could significantly affect the distribution of assets and may point to procedural or legal flaws.
Their legal team has emphasized the need for transparency and strict scrutiny of all records to ensure that the inheritance process adheres to established legal standards.
Broader Legal and Social Implications
This case highlights the complexities that often arise in inheritance disputes involving blended families and prior marital settlements. It also underscores the long-term legal relevance of divorce agreements, especially when substantial assets and multiple heirs are involved.
The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to allow access to confidential divorce records may set an important precedent. Such a ruling could influence how private family settlements are treated in future inheritance and property disputes, particularly when new claimants emerge years after the original agreements were finalized.
As the matter progresses, both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court are expected to play crucial roles in determining the balance between privacy rights and the need for judicial transparency.
Current Status and What Lies Ahead
With the next hearing scheduled in mid-January, all parties involved are preparing for further legal arguments. The courts will need to address not only the inheritance claims but also the broader question of whether historical divorce documents can be introduced into ongoing litigation by individuals who were not parties to the original case.
Until a final verdict is delivered, the dispute over Sanjay Kapoor’s estate remains unresolved, continuing to draw attention from legal experts and the public alike.