Saif Ali Khan's ₹15,000 Crore Legacy in Bhopal Faces Seizure Under 1968 Law Due to 1950 Migration, Giving 30 Days to Present
Saif Ali Khan’s family could lose ancestral properties worth ₹15,000 crore in Bhopal after a key court ruling. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently lifted a long-standing stay on these assets, including iconic locations like Noor-Us-Sabah Palace and Flag Staff House.
This decision opens the door for the government to acquire the properties under the Enemy Property Act of 1968.
What is the Enemy Property Act
The Enemy Property Act allows the government to claim assets of individuals who moved to Pakistan after India’s partition. The case hinges on the migration of Abida Sultan, the eldest daughter of the Nawab of Bhopal, to Pakistan in 1950. Although the Nawab’s second daughter, Sajida Sultan, stayed in India and became the rightful heir, Abida’s migration has now placed these properties under scrutiny.
Saif Ali Khan, the grandson of Sajida Sultan, inherited portions of this royal estate. These include other landmarks like Dar-Us-Salam and properties in Chiklod, Raisen. In 2015, the Enemy Property Custodian declared these as government property, prompting a legal battle. The recent High Court ruling has put the family in a tight spot, giving them 30 days to present their case to the appellate authority.
The Emotional Burden for Saif Ali Khan
In emotional terms, severe loss for Saif Ali Khan, who spent most of his childhood in these ancestral houses. The Bhopal district administration clarifies that any governmental action will only be taken after clarification by the court.
A Judicial and Historical Fight
This moves another step forward to add complexity to the historical and legal stand of the royal estates in India. While the Pataudi family prepares to contest their claim, the fate of the ₹15,000 crore properties remains uncertain.