The Pataudi family faces a significant challenge as properties linked to Saif Ali Khan in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, are at risk of coming under government control. Valued at an estimated ₹15,000 crore, these properties may fall under the purview of the Enemy Property Act, 1968, following a ruling by the High Court.

According to reports, the Madhya Pradesh government is just one step away from taking control of the Pataudi family’s assets. In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court lifted the stay imposed on these properties in 2015.

The properties including in the ruling are Saif’s childhood home Flag Staff House, the Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, among others.

What Is Enemy Property Act?

The Enemy Property Act allows the government to seize control of properties belonging to persons who migrated to Pakistan after the Partition.
Under this act, the central government can take control of ‘enemy’ properties’- The properties belonging to individuals who migrated to Pakistan and changed their citizenship are classified as ‘enemy properties.’ Following the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan, many people renounced Indian citizenship and relocated to Pakistan. Similarly, properties owned by those who moved to China after the 1962 Indo-Sino war were also designated as ‘enemy properties.’

The Enemy Property Act was enacted in 1968. It is an act to provide for the continued vesting of enemy property vested in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India under 1962 Defence of India Rules.

Dispute On Saif Ali Khan’s Property

In 2014, the Custodian of Enemy Property Department issued a notice declaring the Pataudi family’s properties in Bhopal as “enemy property.” The dispute intensified with the 2016 ordinance by the Government of India, which explicitly stated that heirs would have no rights over such properties belonging to the Pataudi family.

After the death of Bhopal Nawab Hamidullah Khan in 1960, his daughter Abida Sultan was considered the heir to the property. However, Abida Sultan had moved to Pakistan in 1950 itself. This led the Government of India to declare her second daughter, Sajida Sultan as the heir to the property. Sajida Sultan got married to Saif Ali Khan’s grandfather Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. According to the court, Sajida Sultan is the legal heir of Nawab Hamidullah Khan.

Saif Ali Khan challenged this notice in the High Court in 2015 and got a stay on the property. The hare of properties were inherited to Saif Ali Khan. These properties include – the Flag Staff House, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Fars Khana, Dar-Us-Salam Ahmedabad Palace and Kohefiza.

In the recent decision, the High Court had given 30 days to the Khan family to approach the appellate tribunal to reclaim the property. The deadline has expired, and no claim was submitted by the Nawab family.

Saif recently sustained an injury during a break-in at his Mumbai residence. He reportedly confronted an intruder who had threatened his family. Following the incident, he was rushed to the hospital and underwent back surgery. He was discharged on Tuesday.