Saif Ali Khan's Inherited Properties Valued at Rs 15000 Crore Await Legal Resolution

The future of properties valued at Rs 15,000 crore, owned by the former rulers of Bhopal and inherited by actor Saif Ali Khan's family, is uncertain. This is due to a pending decision on whether to appeal an order from the Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property. If no appeal is filed by the successors of Bhopal Nawab, these properties might fall under the Centre's control.

It remains unclear if an appeal has been submitted to the Mumbai-based Office of the Custodian of Enemy Property, which operates under the Union home ministry. This follows a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling on December 13, 2024. Saif Ali Khan's mother, Sharmila Tagore Pataudi, and others contested a February 24, 2015 order that classified Bhopal Nawab's property as Enemy Property.

Legal Dispute Over Ownership

The home ministry's authority based its decision on Nawab Muhammad Hamidullah Khan's eldest daughter, Abida Sultan Begum, migrating to Pakistan after Partition. Consequently, properties she was to inherit were deemed enemy properties. However, senior advocate Jagdish Chhavani referenced a January 10, 1962 order stating that after Hamidullah Khan's death in 1960, Sajida Sultan Begum was recognised as the sole successor.

Sajida Sultan Begum, being Hamidullah's second daughter and with Abida in Pakistan, became the owner of these properties. Her son Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi later inherited them, and now Saif Ali Khan holds ownership. The properties are estimated to be worth nearly Rs 15,000 crore. The Custodian of Enemy Property's order has made ownership disputed.

High Court Proceedings

Sharmila Tagore challenged this in high court in 2015. During a hearing on December 13, 2024, it was noted that the Enemy Property Act 1968 had been repealed retroactively in 2017. An appellate authority was established for resolving disputes regarding enemy property.

Justice Vivek Agrawal stated that since a statutory remedy for filing a representation exists, parties should pursue this option. He acknowledged potential issues with time limitations but directed that if representation is filed within thirty days from December 13, the appellate authority should not consider limitation aspects and should address the appeal on its merits.

Potential Outcomes and Next Steps

Bhopal Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh mentioned he had not reviewed the high court order and would comment after obtaining all relevant details. Advocate Chhavani noted that if Saif Ali Khan's family hasn't appealed within the stipulated period, they could still request an extension due to various exigencies like a recent attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Mumbai residence.

This ongoing uncertainty affects many people occupying these properties as owners or tenants. The Enemy Property Act was enacted post-India-Pakistan war in 1965 to manage properties left behind by those who moved to Pakistan.