Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and his family remain the symbolic heirs to the royal lineage
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A high-stakes legal battle over one of the country’s most illustrious royal estates is on the cards. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and his family may lose control over their ancestral properties in Bhopal, reportedly valued at Rs 15,000 crore, as the BJP government in the state initiates moves to acquire them, reports NDTV.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a significant ruling, lifted the stay imposed on these properties in 2015, potentially paving the way for their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, 1968. The development has sent shockwaves through political and aristocratic circles alike.
The Nawab estate under scrutiny includes the Flag Staff House, where Saif Ali Khan spent his childhood, along with Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, and others, media reports said.
The Pataudi family, descendants of the Nawabs of Bhopal, have long been associated with power, wealth, and prestige. The sprawling estate in question, which includes palaces, vast tracts of land, and historical buildings, was inherited by the late Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the celebrated cricketer and former Nawab. Today, his son, Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, and his family remain the symbolic heirs to the royal lineage.
However, the ownership of the estate has been under scrutiny for years, with legal and bureaucratic complexities surrounding its status. Now, the government has intensified its efforts to reclaim the vast property, citing historical land laws and inheritance technicalities.
While delivering the order, Justice Vivek Agarwal said a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, and directed the parties concerned to file a representation within 30 days.
“If a representation is filed within 30 days from today, the appellate authority shall not advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits,” the court said.
The Enemy Property Act allows the central government to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition.
According to officials, the Bhopal estate is considered “enemy property” because it is linked to the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. Historical records suggest that his daughter, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan after Partition, a decision that could invalidate the family’s claim to the estate. The government argues that since Abida Sultan was the rightful heir but migrated, the property should legally belong to the state.
According to reports, a senior government official stated, “We are examining the historical ownership documents and legal provisions. If the property falls under the Enemy Property Act, then it rightfully belongs to the government.”
Sources close to the Pataudi family have strongly contested the government’s move, arguing that the estate was inherited through Indian legal frameworks and has been in their possession for generations.
A family legal representative commented, “The property was lawfully passed down, and any attempt to seize it is unfair. The family will take all necessary legal steps to protect their legacy.”
Saif Ali Khan has remained tight-lipped about the controversy, but insiders suggest he is closely monitoring the situation and consulting legal experts.