Priya Kapur files ₹20 crore defamation case against sister-in-law Mandhira Kapur in Delhi High Court

Priya Kapur, the wife of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, has filed a defamation case before the Delhi High Court against her sister-in-law, Mandhira Kapur Smith

Priya Kapur is engaged in a legal battle against Mandhira Kapur and other members of Sunjay Kapur's family, including his second wife, actor Karisma Kapoor, over the control of Sunjay's assets. 

Notably, a criminal defamation case filed by Kapur against Smith is already pending before Delhi's Patiala House Court. That case was filed over statements made by Mandhira Kapur on social media platforms and in a podcast called InControversial. Pooja Chaudhari, the host of the show, was also made a party to the case. 

The fresh defamation case before the High Court has been filed over similar statements. Both Smith and Chaudhari are defendants in the case.

In her plea, Kapur has sought an injunction against Smith to stop her from making defamatory statements against her and damages of ₹20 crores for the "loss of reputation, mental agony, emotional distress and social humiliation" caused to her.

Priya Kapur has argued that Mandhira Kapur repeatedly uploaded and circulated videos and posts on social media platforms, identifying Priya Kapur and making false allegations and accusatory insinuations designed to cause hatred, ridicule and social ostracism.

She said that within days of Sunjay Kapur's demise, Mandhira Kapur Smith "embarked upon a systematic and organised course of conduct aimed at maligning, humiliating and socially discrediting the Plaintiff [Priya Kapur].

As per the suit,

"The Defamatory statements falsely impute dishonesty, moral impropriety, professional incompetence, concealment of assets and illegitimate assumption of corporate control to the plaintiff."

She added that the defamatory content was deliberately published and amplified through the podcast "InControversial with Pooja Chaudhri”.

The defamation suit was filed through advocate Smriti Asmita.