A Delhi court has issued a notice to Mandhira Kapur Smith, the sister-in-law of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, in a criminal defamation case. The complaint was filed by Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur's widow, who alleges that Smith made defamatory statements across various public platforms. The Patiala House Courts heard the matter on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with Priya Kapur recording her pre-summoning evidence.Mandhira Kapur Smith is now directed to appear before the court on March 12.[hindustantimes+6]
Allegations of Reputational Harm
Priya Kapur's complaint states that Mandhira Kapur Smith engaged in a "sustained and coordinated campaign" of defamatory statements. These remarks were reportedly made in television interviews, podcasts, and digital media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).Priya Kapur claims these statements caused her "serious reputational harm" and contained "false allegations and accusatory insinuations" that directly impacted her integrity, professional competence, and legitimacy.[hindustantimes+11]
The complaint specifically highlights that Mandhira Kapur Smith allegedly made insinuations in a podcast called "In Controversial" implying that Priya Kapur's marriage to Sunjay Kapur was troubled, manipulative, and not legitimate.Priya's legal team argues that such remarks attack her honor, womanhood, and social standing.Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing Priya Kapur, stated that the alleged attacks coincided with Sunjay Kapur's death, a time when Priya was grieving.[indianexpress+3]
Mandhira Kapur Smith's Response
Mandhira Kapur Smith has publicly reacted to the defamation case, asserting that she has not lied about anything. She claimed that all her statements are part of court records.Smith views the legal action as a tactic to distract her from ongoing family matters.She also stated, "All of what I said is mentioned in court, how am I defaming? Anything I have lied about, let me know, because I can guarantee I've lied about nothing."[indianexpress+3]
Broader Family Dispute
This defamation case is part of a larger, long-standing legal battle within the Kapur family. The dispute centers on the inheritance of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur's estate, which is reportedly valued at ₹30,000 crore. Sunjay Kapur passed away in June 2025. The family has been involved in several legal proceedings concerning the estate since his demise.[storyboard18+4]
Priya Kapur is also engaged in a separate legal proceeding at the Supreme Court. She has sought certified copies of the 2016 divorce settlement between Sunjay Kapur and his former wife, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor. Mandhira Kapur Smith has opposed this request, suggesting it is an attempt to divert attention from the core inheritance dispute. Sunjay Kapur's children with Karisma Kapoor have also challenged the authenticity of a purported will before the Delhi High Court.[indianexpress+6]
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The Patiala House Courts in Delhi formally registered Priya Kapur's criminal defamation complaint. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Siddhant Sihag is overseeing the matter. After Priya Kapur presented documentary evidence and recorded her statement, the court found sufficient grounds to issue the notice to Mandhira Kapur Smith.[storyboard18+2]
Priya Kapur is represented by senior advocate Maninder Singh and counsel Smriti Asmita. The next hearing is scheduled for March 12, when Mandhira Kapur Smith is expected to appear in court and respond to the allegations. The legal proceedings are expected to continue as the court addresses the complex family disputes.[hindustantimes+10]
