Government May Gain Control Over Pataudi Family’s Rs 15,000 Crore Property In Bhopal?
The Pataudi family’s ancestral properties in Bhopal, estimated to be worth around ₹15,000 crore, are facing potential government acquisition following a recent ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This development comes after the court lifted a stay that had been in place since 2015, allowing the properties to be claimed under the Enemy Property Act of 1968.
Background: The properties are linked to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and his family, specifically to the lineage of the last Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. The government’s claim is based on the migration of Hamidullah’s eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, to Pakistan in 1950, which has led to these assets being classified as “enemy property.” In contrast, his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, remained in India and is considered the legal heir, with Saif Ali Khan inheriting a portion of these properties.
Prominent Properties: Among the notable sites under scrutiny are:
Flag Staff House (Saif’s childhood home)
Noor-Us-Sabah Palace
Dar-Us-Salam
Bungalow of Habibi
Ahmedabad Palace
Kohefiza Property
.
Court Ruling: Justice Vivek Agarwal stated that a statutory remedy exists under the amended Enemy Property Act of 2017, directing the Pataudi family to file a representation within 30 days. If filed within this period, the appellate authority would consider the appeal without regard to limitations.
Current Status: As of now, it remains unclear whether the Pataudi family has submitted this representation. The Bhopal collector has indicated plans to review ownership records from the past 72 years, raising concerns among approximately 150,000 residents living on these lands about potential eviction as surveys commence.
This situation has sparked anxiety among residents who fear losing their homes and livelihoods. The complexities surrounding property ownership and legal claims under the Enemy Property Act make this case particularly intricate, with ongoing discussions about tenant rights and historical leases complicating matters further.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently mandated that actor Saif Ali Khan, his mother Sharmila Tagore, and his sisters Soha and Saba Ali Khan, along with their aunt Sabiha Sultan, present their case concerning the family’s property before the appellate authority. This decision follows the lifting of a stay on the properties, which are valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore and are located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The properties in question were designated as “enemy property” under the Enemy Property Act of 1968 due to historical circumstances involving the family’s lineage. The issue arose from the migration of Abida Sultan, a member of the Pataudi family, to Pakistan in 1950, leading to claims by the government that these properties should be seized. The court had previously allowed a 30-day window for the Pataudi family to appeal this designation, which expired on January 13, 2025.
As of now, none of the family members have filed an appeal within the stipulated timeframe. Consequently, this non-action has positioned the Madhya Pradesh government to potentially take control of these significant assets. The properties span a large area from Kohefiza to Chiklod and include notable sites such as the Pataudi Flag House.
The court’s ruling not only puts Saif Ali Khan’s family wealth at risk but also raises concerns for around 1.5 lakh residents who currently occupy these lands. If the government proceeds with its claims, it could lead to widespread displacement among these occupants. The Bhopal district administration is now poised to initiate processes for taking over these properties unless an appeal is successfully filed by the Pataudi family in the near future.
