The long-running dispute over a Chennai property associated with late actor Sridevi’s family has reached the Supreme Court, which has directed that the existing status of the property be maintained.
A Bench comprising Justices K V Viswanathan and Arun Palli issued notices to filmmaker Boney Kapoor and his daughters Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor after hearing a petition concerning the disputed land in Sholinganallur. The court has also suggested mediation between the parties.
The petition has been filed by M C Sivakami and her brother M C Natarajan, who claim an interest in the property. Their case challenges the transaction through which the land was acquired by Sridevi and her family in 1988.
The petitioners have questioned the earlier Madras High Court decision that rejected their suit. Their lawyers argued before the Supreme Court that the trial court had found sufficient grounds for the matter to proceed and that issues surrounding the claim should be examined during the trial rather than at the preliminary stage.
The Kapoor family has contested the petition. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the property transaction dates back to 1988 and that the legal challenge was brought many years later. He also raised questions concerning the petitioners’ legal standing and limitation.
The dispute also involves claims concerning family relationships and the circumstances surrounding the petitioners’ alleged entitlement to the property. These issues remain contested between the parties and have not been finally determined by the Supreme Court.
The Bench encouraged the parties to explore an amicable resolution through mediation and indicated that a retired High Court judge could be appointed to facilitate the process.
Until the next stage of proceedings, the court has directed status quo concerning the property, including its transfer, construction and possession. The matter is scheduled to come up again on December 18 to review the mediation process.
