The fate of the Pataudi family&rsquo;s historical properties, valued at an estimated Rs 15,000 crore, has taken a dramatic turn following a recent ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The properties, linked to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, are now closer to potential government acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
Prominent estates under scrutiny include the Flag Staff House, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, the Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, and Kohefiza Property. These properties are integral to Bhopal&rsquo;s heritage and are intertwined with the family history of the Pataudi lineage.
In its landmark decision, Justice Vivek Agarwal&rsquo;s bench lifted a stay imposed on the properties in 2015. The court directed all concerned parties to file representations within 30 days, stating that such appeals should not be dismissed on the grounds of limitation. Justice Agarwal emphasized that the Enemy Property Act, as amended in 2017, offers statutory remedies to address disputes.
The Enemy Property Act empowers the central government to claim properties belonging to individuals who migrated to Pakistan after Partition. The case hinges on the migration of Hamidullah Khan&rsquo;s eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, to Pakistan in 1950. Hamidullah&rsquo;s second daughter, Sajida Sultan, chose to remain in India and married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. As her grandson, Saif Ali Khan inherited a share of these properties, further complicating the case.
While a 2019 court decision acknowledged Sajida Sultan as the rightful heir, the latest ruling rekindles the longstanding dispute. Bhopal collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has announced plans to thoroughly examine ownership records spanning 72 years, potentially reclassifying residents on these properties as tenants under state leasing laws. This has left nearly 1.5 lakh people in uncertainty, many of whom fear eviction.
Local residents have voiced concerns about the ambiguity surrounding property ownership. Chand Mian noted, &ldquo;We pay taxes, but there&rsquo;s no registry for our homes. The Nawab&rsquo;s leases should still stand.&rdquo; Naseem Khan echoed this sentiment, highlighting that many properties have been sold or leased over the decades. &ldquo;The government&rsquo;s claim isn&rsquo;t straightforward,&rdquo; he said.
Despite the setback, legal experts suggest the Pataudi family still has viable options. Sumer Khan, a local observer, remarked, &ldquo;While the stay has been lifted, the family can appeal against the acquisition. The complexities of the Enemy Property Act mean this process is far from over.&rdquo;
The properties&rsquo; cultural and historical significance amplifies the stakes. The legal battle&rsquo;s outcome could have far-reaching implications for both the Pataudi family and the residents affected by the government&rsquo;s claims.

Pataudi Palace in Bhopal and actor Saif Ali Khan

Madhya Pradesh HC’s ruling reignites the battle for Saif Ali Khan’s ancestral estates

Legal Tussle Over Pataudi Properties Intensifies

Madhya Pradesh HC’s ruling reignites the battle for Saif Ali Khan’s ancestral estates

January 22, 2025 | 13:29 IST