Chennai: A major legal dispute has surfaced over a property in Chennai once owned by late Bollywood actress Sridevi, with her husband and noted film producer Boney Kapoor moving the Madras High Court against three individuals whom he has accused of making “unlawful and fraudulent” claims over the land.
According to reports, Boney Kapoor has alleged that the three individuals have attempted to misrepresent themselves as rightful heirs to the property, despite the fact that Sridevi had purchased it more than three decades ago through a valid transaction.
In his petition, Kapoor detailed the background of the property ownership. He explained that the actress had bought the land on April 19, 1988, from M.C. Sambanda Mudaliar, who at that time was the legitimate owner. Mudaliar had three sons and two daughters, and the family had already executed a mutual arrangement in February 1960 for the division of the property among themselves. Based on this arrangement, the sale to Sridevi was considered legal and binding.
However, several years after the actress’s death, three individuals have now stepped forward claiming inheritance rights over the same property. Among them is a woman who has claimed to be the second wife of one of Mudaliar’s sons, along with her two sons.
Boney Kapoor’s legal plea highlights a serious discrepancy in their claims. He pointed out that the woman asserts she was married on February 5, 1975 to Mudaliar’s son. But records clearly show that the man’s first wife had passed away only on June 24, 1999. This, Kapoor argued, renders her marriage invalid in the eyes of law, thereby disqualifying her and her children from making any claim to the property.
Further, Kapoor questioned the role of revenue authorities in this controversy. He challenged the decision of a revenue official who had reportedly issued a legal heirship certificate in favor of the three claimants, arguing that the certificate was granted without proper jurisdiction or verification. He requested the High Court to revoke the certificate immediately to prevent further complications.
After hearing preliminary arguments, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh directed the Tambaram Taluk Tahsildar to carefully examine the matter and take a final decision within four weeks.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the high-profile individuals involved but also because it raises questions about property inheritance laws and the misuse of heirship claims in Tamil Nadu. Legal experts say that Kapoor’s challenge, if successful, could set an important precedent in cases involving fraudulent succession claims.
