Sona Comstar Director's Plant Visit Amidst Escalating Family Dispute Over Inheritance and Board Control

Priya Kapur, a Non-Executive Director at Sona Comstar, recently spent two days at the company's Chennai plant and its Research and Development (R&D) center. During her visit, she interacted with leadership, engineers, and shop-floor employees, highlighting the firm's dedication to advancing its powertrain strategy for sustainable mobility. Kapur underscored the importance of the company's 'people - their passion, purpose and perseverance.'

The visit occurs during a period of public scrutiny due to a significant boardroom and inheritance dispute that emerged after the passing of Chairman Sunjay Kapur in June 2025. His mother, Rani Kapur, has publicly alleged coercion and questioned recent changes in board appointments and shareholding. Sona Comstar has issued a response, describing these claims as 'baseless and legally untenable' and stating that Rani Kapur has not held any shareholding or directorship since at least 2019. The company also emphasized that its board comprises professional management and independent directors, with the promoter entity holding only non-executive nomination rights and that all governance processes are compliant with regulatory norms.

Impact: This ongoing dispute and the company's response can significantly impact investor confidence, potentially leading to stock price volatility. It raises questions about corporate governance and family control within the company. Rating: 6/10.

Explanation of Terms: Non-Executive Director: A member of a company's board of directors who is not part of the executive management team. They provide oversight and strategic guidance but are not involved in the day-to-day operations. R&D Centre: Research and Development Centre, a facility dedicated to exploring new ideas, technologies, and products. Powertrain: The system in a vehicle that generates and delivers power to move it. This includes the engine, transmission, and drive shafts. Sustainable Mobility: Transportation systems and solutions that aim to minimize environmental impact and promote social equity. Boardroom Dispute: A conflict or disagreement among the members of a company's board of directors. Inheritance Dispute: A legal disagreement over the distribution of a deceased person's assets, property, or control of a business. Chairman: The presiding officer of a company's board of directors. Coercion: The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats. Shareholding: The ownership of shares in a company, representing a portion of its equity. Governance Norms: Rules, practices, and standards that govern how a company is directed, administered, and controlled. Promoter Entity: An individual or group that founds, finances, or exercises control over a company, especially during its initial stages.