As Saif Ali Khan recuperates from a recent health setback, another storm brews over his family’s rich heritage. The Pataudi family’s monumental properties, valued at over 15,000 crore rupees, are now at risk, following a significant court ruling that has reignited a long-standing legal battle.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently lifted a stay order on these iconic properties, clearing the way for the government to claim them under the controversial Enemy Property Act of 1968.
This act allows the government to seize the properties of individuals who migrated to Pakistan after the 1947 partition. The Pataudi family’s assets, which include landmarks like the Flagstaff House (where Saif spent his childhood), Noor Us Sabah Palace, Dar-es-Salaam, and others, are now under threat of government control.
This legal dispute traces back to the migration of Abida Sultan, the eldest daughter of Bhopal’s last Nawab, who fled to Pakistan in 1950. While her sisters remained in India, her migration has become the basis for the government’s claim over these valuable properties. Saif Ali Khan, as the grandson of Sajida Sultan (who married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi), inherited a share of these historic assets. In 2019, the court had recognized Sajida as the legal heir, but the latest ruling has brought the dispute back into the spotlight.
The court has given 30 days for the relevant parties to submit representations, with the assurance that the appeal will be assessed on merit if filed within that time. This new decision has raised fresh concerns for the 150,000 residents living on these properties, who now face the potential threat of eviction as the government moves forward with surveys and ownership determinations.
Bhopal’s Collector has announced plans to review the ownership records of these properties spanning the last 72 years, indicating that those residing on these lands might be considered tenants under state leasing laws. The uncertainty has left many residents anxious about their futures. Samar Khan, a local resident, remarked, “The stay has been lifted, but the integration of these properties under the Enemy Property Act is complex. The Pataudi family still has the option to appeal.”
Concerns have also been raised by other residents, like Chand Miyan and Naseem Khan. “We pay taxes, but there’s no registration of our homes. The Nawabs’ leases should still be in place,” Miyan stated. Khan added, “The government is claiming these properties, but they have been sold or leased for years. This is not a straightforward matter.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the Pataudi family’s assets are in limbo. While the family still has avenues for appeal, the fate of their historic properties remains uncertain, leaving both the family and the residents in a precarious situation. This ongoing dispute will undoubtedly shape the future of the Pataudi family’s legacy and the heritage of one of India’s most prestigious dynasties.