Karisma Kapoor’s Children Challenge Father’s Will, Citing Unpaid Fees

Actor Karisma Kapoor‘s children have brought their concerns regarding unpaid educational fees before the Delhi High Court, claiming that the tuition for their sister, Samaira Kapur, has not been settled for the past two months. This assertion was made during a court hearing on March 15, 2024, as part of a larger legal battle regarding the purported will of their late father, Sunjay Kapur, which allegedly involves assets valued at approximately Rs 30,000 crore.

Justice Jyoti Singh presided over the hearing and expressed a desire to keep the proceedings free of unnecessary drama. She urged the counsel for Priya Kapur, the widow of Sunjay Kapur, to address any such issues privately moving forward. The case revolves around a plea from Samaira and her brother challenging the legitimacy of their father’s will, which they claim does not accurately reflect his intentions.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, who represents Karisma Kapoor’s children, highlighted that Samaira is currently enrolled in a university in the United States. He stated that Sunjay Kapur was obligated to cover the educational expenses as outlined in the matrimonial decree, yet two months’ worth of fees remain unpaid. “The children’s estate is with defendant no. 1 (Priya Kapur). So, it is up to her,” Jethmalani remarked, emphasizing that the fees must be managed properly.

In contrast, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Kapur, dismissed the claim as unfounded. He asserted that Priya has consistently fulfilled the children’s needs and claimed that the fees have already been paid. Nayar suggested that the issue was being raised for media attention rather than genuine concern for the children’s welfare.

The court was reviewing an application filed by Karisma Kapoor’s children for an interim injunction to prevent Priya Kapur from selling or transferring any of Sunjay Kapur’s assets. The judge has scheduled the matter to continue next week, allowing for further legal arguments.

The children have publicly questioned the authenticity of the will, labeling their stepmother as “greedy” and likening her to a “Cinderella’s stepmother,” a reference that draws from the well-known fairytale wherein a young woman faces mistreatment at the hands of her stepmother. Earlier in the proceedings, the high court instructed Priya Kapur to submit a comprehensive list of Sunjay Kapur’s assets.

In response, Priya has indicated that the children have already benefited from substantial financial support, having received Rs 1,900 crore from the family trust. This ongoing legal dispute highlights the complexities surrounding inheritance and family dynamics, particularly in high-profile cases involving significant wealth. The outcome of this case could have lasting implications for both families involved.