Bhopal: Linked to the family of actor Saif Ali Khan, the Pataudi family’s historical properties, estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore, might soon come under government control.
In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court lifted the stay imposed on these properties in 2015, thereby paving the way for their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
While delivering the order, Justice Vivek Agarwal said that a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, and 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 advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits,” the court said, as quoted by NDTV.
The disputable properties include the Flag Staff House (where Saif spent his childhood), Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, and others.
As per the Enemy Property Act, the Central government can claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan after Partition.
Bhopal’s last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan had three daughters. The Nawab’s eldest daughter Abida Sultan migrated to Pakistan in 1950, while his second daughter Sajida Sultan became the Nawab’s legal heir after marrying Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi of India.
Actor Saif Ali Khan, who is Sajida’s grandson, inherited a share of the Pataudi properties.
The court had recognised Sajida Sultan as the legal heir in 2019, but the recent ruling again brought to light the family’s property dispute.
Abida Sultan’s migration to Pakistan in 1950 is the main cause behind the government’s claim to the properties under the Enemy Property Act.
“The stay has been lifted, but merging these properties under the Enemy Property Act is complicated. The Pataudi family still has a chance to appeal,” a resident, Sumer Khan said.
“The government is claiming these properties, but many have been sold or leased over the years. This issue is far from straightforward,” said Naseem Khan, who lives in the area.
