Saif Ali Khan Risks Losing ₹15K Crore Ancestral Property as MP High Court Dismisses His Plea
Saif Ali Khan Faces Threat of Losing ₹15,000 Crore Family Estate as MP High Court Rejects Petition
In a significant legal setback, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is at risk of losing control over his family’s ancestral property in Bhopal, worth an estimated Rs15,000 crore. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently dismissed his plea, challenging a government notice that declared the Pataudi family’s properties as “enemy property.” This ruling, delivered on December 13, 2024, could pave the way for the government to take control of the valuable estate unless Saif Ali Khan and his family act quickly.
The dispute revolves around properties that once belonged to the royal Pataudi family, including historical buildings and lands in Bhopal. These properties span across Kohefiza and Chiklod areas in the city. The contentious legal battle began in 2014 when the Custodian of Enemy Property Department issued a notice, officially categorizing the Pataudi family’s properties as “enemy property.”
The Origin of the ‘Enemy Property’ Case
The concept of “enemy property” refers to properties owned by individuals who left India for Pakistan during the partition of 1947, thereby renouncing their Indian citizenship. In the case of the Pataudi family, the issue stems from the post-Partition decision of Abida Sultan, the daughter of Bhopal Nawab Hamidullah Khan. Abida Sultan had moved to Pakistan in 1950, and due to her relocation, the Indian government subsequently declared her daughter, Sabia Sultan, the rightful heir to the family’s property.
The matter was further complicated by a 2016 ordinance passed by the Indian government, which solidified the fact that descendants of individuals who had moved to Pakistan would not have legal rights to such properties. Abida Sultan’s departure to Pakistan and the subsequent ordinance meant the Pataudi family’s ancestral properties became embroiled in this legal and political debate.
Saif Ali Khan’s Legal Fight: High Court Ruling
Saif Ali Khan, who is the grandson of the late Nawab of Pataudi, Mohammad Iftikhar Ali Khan, challenged the government’s “enemy property” notice in 2015, claiming his ancestral right to the family estate. His petition led to a temporary stay on the proceedings, allowing the family to maintain control of the properties in question.
However, in a recent turn of events, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled against Khan’s petition on December 13, 2024. The court directed that the actor could appeal to the Appellate Tribunal within 30 days. Unfortunately, the family has not yet submitted any appeal, and the deadline has now passed. This failure to act leaves the government in a stronger position to seize the properties.
What Happens Next?
With no further claims made by Saif Ali Khan or his family, the next legal step allows the Madhya Pradesh district administration to begin the process of taking over the disputed properties. According to legal experts, this could lead to the government gaining control over the entire Rs15,000 crore estate, including historically significant land and buildings tied to the Bhopal princely state.
The stakes are incredibly high for the Pataudi family, not just financially but also symbolically. The properties have been in the family for generations, and losing them would mark the end of an era for the once-powerful Pataudi lineage.
Implications for Current Property Owners
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the Pataudi family. There are numerous buyers and property owners in Bhopal who purchased land and buildings from the Pataudi family in the years since the original dispute began. Many of these owners are now worried that the properties they hold may be classified as encroachments by the government if it gains control.
The fear of losing properties that were legally bought from the Pataudi family has raised concerns among local property owners and investors, with many wondering if they will face legal consequences.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts suggest that the Pataudi family’s failure to present their case before the appellate authority has opened the door for the government to assume full control over these properties. With the 30-day appeal period now over, there is little standing in the way of the government’s potential claim over the Rs15,000 crore estate.
One source close to the family indicated that the Khan family may still seek a solution outside the courts, but it is unclear whether any further legal action will be taken.
The Wider Significance of the ‘Enemy Property’ Law
This case also underscores the enduring impact of the “enemy property” law, which continues to affect families with historical ties to individuals who left India during the Partition. While the law was initially designed to protect properties left by those who moved to Pakistan, it has led to significant legal battles for families like the Pataudis, whose ties to their ancestral properties are strong but whose claims are complicated by historical and political factors.
In the broader context, this case highlights the challenges of reclaiming properties that have been classified as “enemy property” and the difficult legal road ahead for many heirs trying to assert their rights.
Conclusion: A Critical Crossroad for the Pataudi Family
As the legal battle over the Pataudi family’s Rs15,000 crore ancestral estate continues, the latest ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court represents a significant setback for Saif Ali Khan and his family. The family’s failure to act within the stipulated time frame leaves the government on the verge of taking control of the estate. It remains to be seen whether Saif Ali Khan and his relatives will take further steps to reclaim their heritage or accept the government’s claim to the property.