Delhi High Court Orders Priya Kapur and Mandhira Kapur to Avoid Defamatory Public Statements

The Delhi High Court has directed Priya Kapur and Mandhira Kapur Smith not to make defamatory statements against each other in public. The order was passed on Tuesday in a defamation case filed by Priya Kapur.

The case relates to a dispute between Priya Kapur, wife of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, and her sister-in-law Mandhira Kapur Smith. The matter was heard by Justice Mini Pushkarna, who advised both parties to maintain dignity and avoid making public remarks that could harm each other’s reputation.

The Court issued notice in an interim application filed by Priya Kapur in her defamation suit against Mandhira Kapur Smith and Pooja Chaudhri, the host of the podcast “InControversial.” The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for May 14.

Priya Kapur has sought damages of ₹20 crore, claiming that certain statements made during the podcast were defamatory and damaged her reputation.

According to the suit, Mandhira Kapur Smith allegedly described Priya as an “outsider” who had no legitimate right to represent or manage the Kapur family’s legacy, estate, or business matters. It is claimed that she suggested the family’s wealth and inheritance belonged only to the bloodline and her children.

The suit further states that Priya Kapur was accused of trying to take control of the family legacy and sidelining other family members after the death of Sunjay Kapur. She was also allegedly portrayed as someone who gained financial benefits and influence improperly following her husband’s demise.

Priya Kapur has argued that these statements were not only made during the podcast but were also widely circulated on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). She claims that the content was intentionally published and promoted to harm her public image.

The suit alleges that this conduct is part of a longer pattern of hostility and harassment. It mentions earlier disputes, including litigation and regulatory complaints, and claims that the alleged harassment has continued even after Sunjay Kapur’s death.

According to Priya Kapur, the statements are defamatory on the face of it, made recklessly and without any factual basis. She has argued that the remarks cannot be protected as fair comment or opinion.

The suit also states that the continued circulation of the content has caused emotional distress, social humiliation, and harm to her and her children.

The case is titled Mrs. Priya S. Kapur v. Mandhira Kapur Smith & Anr.