Family Dispute Shakes Sona Comstar After Chairman Sunjay Kapur’s Death

Sona Comstar, one of India’s leading auto component manufacturers, is facing internal turmoil just months after the death of its chairman Sunjay Kapur. What began as a period of mourning has now escalated into a visible succession dispute, raising concerns about leadership stability and long-term direction at the top level of the company.

From Legacy to Uncertainty

Sunjay Kapur, a known figure in both business and social circles, passed away in March this year. His death not only left a void in the company’s leadership but also triggered a family-level disagreement over succession rights and management control.

Reports suggest a division between Sunjay’s widow, Karisma Kapoor, his sister Mandira, and other close family members. While the professional structure of Sona Comstar is being managed by an experienced executive team, the underlying power struggle has become difficult to ignore.

What’s at Stake

Sona Comstar is not a small enterprise — it’s a listed company with global partnerships and significant operations across India and abroad. The family controls a large stake through the holding company, Sona Group, which directly influences the company’s governance decisions.

The dispute isn’t just personal; it could influence investor confidence, boardroom decision-making, and the company’s strategic vision at a time when the auto industry is navigating a major shift toward electric mobility.

Relevance for Tier 2 India

This story also holds meaning for business families in Tier 2 cities like Ludhiana, Indore, and Coimbatore — cities where legacy businesses are often tightly held by families and passed down across generations. Succession planning remains a delicate issue, especially when emotions, ownership, and vision do not align.

The Sona Comstar case is a reminder that formal succession processes, transparent governance, and legal clarity are as important in family-owned businesses as they are in large corporations.

Industry Outlook and Investor Concerns

Despite the internal tension, Sona Comstar continues to perform steadily in terms of operations. However, shareholders and institutional investors are watching the situation closely. Leadership uncertainty at the promoter level can affect long-term partnerships, investor trust, and even expansion plans.

Corporate governance experts have noted that while succession issues are common in family-run businesses, public companies need stronger boundaries between personal disagreements and professional management.

Final Word

The unfolding developments at Sona Comstar show how fragile the balance between legacy and leadership can be. For Indian family-run enterprises — especially those expanding beyond regional markets — it’s a timely example of why clarity in succession and conflict resolution is no longer optional. The future of a business may very well depend on how a family handles its present.