Noting that mediation is proceeding "quite satisfactorily," the Supreme Court on Thursday said it was "hopeful" that the dispute between late industrialist Sunjay Kapur's mother Rani Kapur and his wife Priya Kapur over the family trust may be resolved amicably.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K Vindod Chandran took note of the preliminary mediation report filed by the mediator.
"We take notice that the mediation proceedings so far have been conducted over 6 sessions. The Mediator has interacted with all members of the family. We are happy to note that the mediation is proceeding quite satisfactorily. We are happy to note that parties are cooperating," the bench said, as per a PTI report.
The top court also noted that the mediator has made a request to allow time for mediation till November 2.
"...parties should go before the mediator with open mind and heart and see to it they don't get dragged in a long drawn litigation. Let the mediation proceed, we shall wait for one more report," the bench said.
In its order, the apex court also directed that the fees of the mediator shall be paid from the RK Family Trust and there should not be any further debate in this regard, as per PTI.
"If the mediation fails, we will allow you all to proceed in accordance with law. But don't allow that day to come," the bench told the parties.
The top court had earlier appointed former Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to act as a mediator in the dispute.
On April 27, the top court sought a response from Priya Kapur and others on a lawsuit by Sanjay Kapur's mother seeking directions to declare the family trust "null and void." During the hearing, the SC also asked the parties to explore mediation to resolve the dispute over the family trust.
The 80-year-old Rani Kapur's plea alleges that the trust, which was constituted in her name in October 2017, was a product of "forged, fabricated and fraudulent" documents.
The legal proceedings over control of the estate and assets are pending before the Delhi High Court, and the petition before the top court seeks a status quo on alienation of all the properties of the trust.
(With inputs from agencies)
