The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently dismissed a petition filed by Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, challenging a 2014 government notice that declared his family’s ancestral properties in Bhopal as ‘enemy property’. This decision potentially paves the way for the state government to assume control over these assets, which are estimated to be worth approximately ₹15,000 crore.
Who Owns the Properties?
Saif Ali Khan comes from the Pataudi family, which has old connections to a big estate in Bhopal. The properties were originally owned by Nawab Hamidullah Khan and his family. Saif’s grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the legal heir after her sister, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan in 1950.
What Does This Mean for Saif Ali Khan?
Saif Ali Khan and his family now face the possibility of losing these valuable properties, worth around ₹15,000 crore.
This legal issue adds to the personal challenges Saif is facing, including recovering from a recent stabbing incident at his home.
Madhya Pardesh Highcourt
December 2024, the High Court provided the Pataudi family a 30-day window to appeal the decision before the appellate authority. However, reports indicate that neither Saif Ali Khan nor his family members have pursued this legal avenue within the stipulated timeframe. Consequently, the Bhopal district administration is now positioned to initiate proceedings to take possession of these properties.
What is the Enemy Property Act
The Enemy Property Act of 1968 allows the government to take control of property owned by people who moved to Pakistan during the partition and became citizens there.
Since Abida Sultan moved to Pakistan, her properties were declared “enemy properties,” and the government can take them over.
Court Ruling
Saif Ali Khan and his family didn’t agree with the government’s decision and challenged it in court. The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled against them and said the properties would stay with the government.
In December 2024, the court gave the family 30 days to appeal. However, they didn’t appeal within that time.
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