Mandhira Kapur files reply on defamation complaint filed by Priya Kapur, seeks documents

NEW DELHI: The Patiala House Court on Thursday heard arguments on an application moved by Mandhira Kapur Smith seeking the production of certain documents from Priya Sachdev Kapur in an ongoing defamation complaint. Mandhira Kapur, sister of the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur, appeared before the court and filed her reply to the defamation complaint lodged by Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur’s widow. Along with her reply, Mandhira also moved an application seeking directions for the production of certain documents from the complainant, according to news agency ANI. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Siddhant Sihag heard preliminary arguments on the application and listed the matter for further hearing on March 30. The court also granted time to counsel for the proposed accused, Pooja Chaudhary, to file a reply. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, representing Priya Kapur, submitted that the application by Mandhira Kapur is not maintainable at this stage of the proceedings. He stated that he does not wish to file a formal reply but reserves the right to argue on points of law. Mandhira Kapur Smith appeared pursuant to the notice issued earlier and filed her reply to the defamation complaint. Advocate Amit Prasad, representing Mandhira Kapur, submitted the reply along with an application stating that the alleged defamatory words should not be viewed in isolation. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh opposed the application, arguing that the matter is still at the notice stage and not at the stage of charge. He said, “Since there is no denial of the statement by Mandhira Kapur, the defendant may seek the documents at the stage of charge.” He added that the documents sought relate to property, trusts, and other matters unrelated to the complaint and are already in the public domain. Advocate Amit Prasad argued that the judgment cited by counsel for the complainant is not relevant, as it applies to cases filed by the State in criminal proceedings, whereas this is a complaint case. The Senior Advocate countered that such an application becomes relevant only after the court takes cognizance. On January 21, the Patiala House Court had issued notices to the proposed accused, Mandhira Kapur and Pooja Chaudhary. Statements of Priya Sachdev Kapur and her sister Charu Sachdev were recorded in the defamation complaint filed by Priya Kapur against Mandhira Kapur and another individual. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, along with Advocates Smriti Asmita and Jhanvi Narang, appeared for Priya Sachdev Kapur. Priya Sachdev Kapur has filed a criminal defamation complaint against Mandhira Kapur Smith and another, alleging that a series of statements made across podcasts, social media, media interviews, and online content constitute a sustained campaign to damage her reputation. The complaint states that the remarks contain false assertions, insinuations, and personal attacks presented as facts, despite the issues being sub judice, causing serious reputational harm. According to the complaint, the material circulated advances misleading narratives aimed at maligning and harassing Priya Kapur, instead of pursuing lawful remedies. Senior Advocate Maninder Singh submitted that such conduct attracts the offence of criminal defamation under the law. The defamation case follows recent developments in connected proceedings, in which the court sought a response from actor Karisma Kapoor on a plea by Priya Kapur seeking certified copies of divorce-related court records involving Sunjay Kapur. Against this backdrop, Mandhira Kapur Smith made public remarks questioning Priya Kapur’s conduct and motives, stating, “If her brother had intended to share certain information, he would have done so during the marriage,” and adding that divorce proceedings are confidential, particularly where children are involved. Priya Kapur alleges that these statements form part of the defamatory material and has approached the court seeking criminal action for the alleged damage to her reputation.