The historical properties of the Pataudi family, estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore and linked to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, are now one step closer to being taken under government control.
In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted the stay imposed on these properties in 2015, potentially paving the way for their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
Among the prominent properties under scrutiny are the Flag Staff House—where Saif Ali Khan spent his childhood—Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, and several others.
Justice Vivek Agarwal, while delivering the order, noted that a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017. He directed the concerned parties to file a representation within 30 days.
"If a representation is filed within 30 days from today, the appellate authority shall not consider the aspect of limitation and shall address the appeal on its own merits," the court stated.
The Enemy Property Act empowers the central government to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan after Partition.
Bhopal's last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan, had three daughters. His eldest, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950, while his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, remained in India. She married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi and became the legal heir.
Sajida's grandson, Saif Ali Khan, inherited a share of the properties. However, Abida Sultan's migration to Pakistan has become the central argument for the government's claim to classify the properties as "enemy property."
In 2019, the court recognized Sajida Sultan as the legal heir, but the recent ruling has reignited the family’s legal battle over ownership.
Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh announced plans to examine the ownership records of these properties over the past 72 years. He also indicated that individuals residing on these lands may be treated as tenants under the state's leasing laws.
The looming government takeover has sparked anxiety among 1.5 lakh residents, many of whom fear eviction as officials move forward with surveys to determine rightful ownership.
"The stay has been lifted, but merging these properties under the Enemy Property Act is a complex process. The Pataudi family still has the option to appeal," said Sumer Khan, a local resident.
Another resident, Chand Mian, voiced concerns about their legal standing. "We pay taxes, but there are no official property registries for our homes. The Nawab's leases should still hold."
Naseem Khan, who also lives in the area, added, "The government is asserting ownership, but many of these properties have been sold or leased over the years. It’s not a straightforward issue."
With legal avenues still open, the fate of these historical properties remains uncertain, leaving both the Pataudi family and local residents in a state of suspense.
