Bollywood filmmaker Boney Kapoor has gone to the Madras High Court in a property dispute over a property belonging to his late wife, acting grande dame Sridevi, which she had bought in 1988. The property on the ECR in Chennai has found itself in soup after three persons claimed ownership based on what Kapoor claims is a forged heirship certificate.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, on Monday, August 25, 2025, ordered Tambaram Taluk Tahsildar to settle Kapoor’s petition within four weeks. The court order has again brought into the limelight the life of deceased actress and the fight in the court of Kapoor to safeguard it.
Boney Kapoor’s Plea Before the Court
Kapoor, in his appeal, sought that the Chengalpattu District Collector and Tambaram Tahsildar consider a representation he had already made in April 2025. Kapoor claimed that Sridevi had acquired and registered the property legally from M.C. Sambanda Mudaliar of Mylapore in 1988.
After that, Kapoor asserted, Sridevi and her relatives have used the property solely as a farmhouse, and there was no dispute until the tidal wave of claims by Mudaliar’s putative heirs. Mudaliar had two sons and two daughters who had partitioned their inheritance in 1960, Kapoor asserted, and the sale in which Sridevi acquired the land was legally valid under this will.
Disputed Heirship Certificate Raises Concerns
The root of the controversy lies in a 2005 heirship certificate that is produced by three people. They present themselves as the second wife and two children of Mudaliar’s one son. With this, they have acquired the same land that Sridevi had bought.
Kapoor did resist vehemently the authenticity of this document. He questioned if the Tambaram Tahsildar had the jurisdiction to make such a certificate, as Mudaliar’s family was based in Mylapore and not in Tambaram.
Questions Surrounding Marriage and Succession
Boney Kapoor also went against the alleged second wife of Mudaliar’s charge that she was married to Mudaliar’s son in 1975. According to Kapoor, the marriage would be invalid as per law because the man’s first wife lived until 1999.
Based on the Hindu Succession Act, Kapoor contended that the three cannot be Class I or Class II heirs. Thus, their claim for the property was not legally viable.
He also accused the claimants of attempting to harass him by filing a succession of civil suits and revenue petitions to support what he calls a “false claim to property.”
Sridevi’s Property Legacy
Sridevi, the legendary Indian actress, was a household name for her legendary characters in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films. She also diversified into real estate in addition to her acting career, including the controversial East Coast Road bungalow that has long been enjoyed by her family.
Her untimely passing in 2018 shocked millions of fans worldwide. Since then, Kapoor has carefully preserved her memories while ensuring that her assets remain legally protected for their daughters, Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor.
The current dispute adds another layer of legal complexity to Sridevi’s legacy, with Kapoor stepping in firmly to safeguard her rightful property.
Court’s Direction: A Four-Week Timeline
Justice Anand Venkatesh’s directive has provided the case with a clear timeline. The Tambaram Tahsildar will then consider Kapoor’s petition and rule on whether the 2005 heirship certificate is a forgery or not.
For Kapoor, this move is a major step forward in a fight that would otherwise have gone on indefinitely. For the public, it shows how celebrity families are constantly interrogated legally regarding the ownership of properties, even years down the line after a rightful purchase.
Industry and Public Reactions
The news of Kapoor’s petition quickly spread across media platforms and social media. Fans of Sridevi expressed support for Boney Kapoor, emphasizing that her legacy should remain free from disputes. Many pointed out that Sridevi’s contributions to cinema and her enduring impact should not be overshadowed by prolonged legal battles.
There are also lawyers who have posited that Kapoor’s case is strong based on the genuine sale deed in 1988 and the suspicious nature of the heirship certificate of the claimants. They however, advise that Indian property cases have a twist of events no one expects because of cross-claims and bureaucracy.
What Happens Next?
The next four weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of this case. If the Tambaram Tahsildar rules in Kapoor’s favor, it could effectively cancel the disputed heirship certificate and secure Sridevi’s property under Kapoor’s ownership.
However, if the ruling favors the claimants, Kapoor may have to pursue further legal remedies, potentially prolonging the case. Either way, the outcome will set a precedent in similar disputes involving heirship certificates and property ownership.
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Conclusion: Protecting Sridevi’s Legacy
Boney Kapoor’s appeal to the Madras High Court indicates the determination of the producer to safeguard the memory of his deceased wife. Property disputes being a given in India, the case is resonating more with public interest with the role played by Sridevi, one of India’s popular stars.
For the time being, attention is on the Tambaram Tahsildar’s ruling within four weeks. Fans, legal professionals, and the film fraternity would be holding their breath as the case progresses. Whatever the decision, Kapoor’s battle brings to light both the intricacy of property law and the imperative to protect the legacy of legends such as Sridevi.
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