In a dramatic turn of events, Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has been ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court to appeal against the government’s declaration of his family’s ancestral properties as “enemy property,” potentially jeopardizing assets valued at a staggering ₹15,000 crore.
The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968, allows the Indian government to seize properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan after the Partition. This legal framework has come into play as the Pataudi family’s historical estates, including the iconic Flag Staff House where Saif spent his childhood, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, and Kohefiza Property, are now under intense scrutiny.
Timeline of Events
- 2014: The Custodian of Enemy Property Department issued a notice declaring these properties as “enemy property.”
- 2015: Saif Ali Khan challenged this declaration in court, temporarily halting the government’s actions.
- 2016: An ordinance was introduced, stripping heirs of rights over such properties.
- December 13, 2024: The High Court lifted the stay on these properties and directed Khan to file an appeal within 30 days.
Justice Vivek Agarwal emphasized that if a representation is filed within this timeframe, the appellate authority will consider it on its merits without regard to limitations. However, as of now, there is no confirmation that Khan has taken any action since the deadline passed on January 12.
Justice Vivek Agarwal, while delivering the order, also said a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, and said the parties concerned could file a representation within 30 days.
“It is directed that if representation is filed within 30 days from today (December 13), then the appellate authority shall not advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits,”
the court said.
Historical Context
The properties in question belong to the last Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. His eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950, which has been cited as grounds for the government’s claim. In contrast, his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, remained in India and became the legal heir through her marriage to Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Despite a court ruling in 2019 acknowledging Sajida Sultan’s status as heir, recent developments have reignited fierce disputes over ownership.
This looming threat over such valuable heritage assets has sent shockwaves through both the Pataudi family and local residents who fear eviction as government surveys begin.