New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court designated former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud to mediate a family dispute involving the late industrialist Sunjay Kapur's mother, Rani Kapur, and his wife, Priya Kapur, regarding a family trust.

The court urged both parties to engage in mediation with an open mindset and instructed them to refrain from making public statements or discussing the matter on social media.

A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized, "This is a family matter. It should remain within the family and not become a source of entertainment."

The bench noted that, considering the nature of the family dispute, it had previously suggested on April 27 that mediation might be beneficial.

During the proceedings, all legal representatives agreed to pursue mediation, leading the bench to appoint D Y Chandrachud as the mediator.

The court stated it would await an initial report from the mediator before proceeding further, scheduling the next hearing for August.

It was mentioned that the mediator's fees and other arrangements would be determined in consultation with the involved parties.

The bench clarified that mediation would be limited to family members only.

The court expressed hope that the parties would resolve the dispute promptly, stating, "We believe all parties should approach mediation with an open mind."

The bench warned that failing to resolve the matter could lead to prolonged litigation.

On April 27, the Supreme Court had requested a response from Priya Kapur and others regarding a lawsuit filed by Rani Kapur, which sought to declare the family trust "null and void."

The bench had issued a notice to Priya Kapur and others concerning Rani Kapur's claims that the trust, established in her name in October 2017, was based on "forged, fabricated, and fraudulent" documents.

Legal battles over the estate and assets are ongoing in the Delhi High Court, with the Supreme Court petition seeking to maintain the status quo on the trust's properties.

During the April 27 hearing, the Supreme Court encouraged the parties involved in the Sona Group Family Trust to consider mediation.

Rani Kapur's lawsuit seeks to permanently prevent her daughter-in-law Priya Kapur and others from utilizing or acting on the "RK Family Trust" in any capacity.

Her petition claims she is the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur's estate, who was the founder of various businesses, including the 'Sona Group of Companies', and alleges that a "systematic fraud" was perpetrated against her when assets were transferred to the 'RK Family Trust'.

The lawsuit asserts that until his death, Sunjay never informed Rani Kapur that she had been stripped of her rights, assets, and legacy, nor did he provide her with a copy of the alleged RK Family Trust.

The complaint alleges that through a series of illegal transactions involving Priya Kapur and others, in collusion with the deceased Sunjay Kapur, all of Rani Kapur's assets were transferred to a fraudulent trust without her knowledge.

Sunjay Kapur passed away on June 12 after collapsing during a polo match in England, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest.

Additionally, a challenge to the authenticity of the purported will of their late father by Karisma Kapoor's children is pending in the Delhi High Court, with accusations against Priya Kapur of being "greedy."