Government May Claim Pataudi Family's Rs 15,000 Crore Legacy in Bhopal

Bhopal: The Sprawling properties tied to the Pataudi family, valued at a staggering ₹15,000 crore and linked to Bollywood Star Ali Khan, may soon fall under government control.

In a pivotal decision, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted the 2015 stay on these properties, potentially allowing their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, of 1968. This act empowers the government to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-partition.

Among the prized possessions under scrutiny are iconic landmarks such as the Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, the Flag Staff House—Saif Ali Khan’s childhood home—Ahmedabad Palace, Kohefiza Property, and others. 

Justice Vivek Agarwal, in his ruling, emphasized the availability of Statutory remedies under the 2017 amendment to the Enemy Property Act. He directed all concerned parties to file their appeals within 30 days, with assurance that limitations would not hinder the appellate process.

Legacy Tied to Partition
The late Nawab Hamidullah Khan of Bhopal left behind a complex legacy. Of his three daughters, Abida Sultan moved to Pakistan in 1950, while Sajida Sultan stayed in India, marrying Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. This positioned Saif Ali Khan, Sajida’s grandson as a legal heir.

However, Abida’s migration to Pakistan has become the crux of the government's claim to the properties, categorizing them as “enemy property.” While a 2019 court ruling recognized Sajida Sultan’s legal right, the recent judgment has rekindled the decades-old dispute. 

Rising Anxiety Among Locals
The potential government takeover has triggered unrest among approximately 1.5 lakh residents living on these lands. Many fear displacement as authorities gear up to examine ownership records spanning 72 years. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh confirmed survey plans to determine the rightful ownership and classify occupants as tenants under state leasing laws.

"The stay is lifted, but merging these properties under the Enemy Property Act is a complex process," explained resident Sumer Khan.

Others share similar concerns. Chand Mian highlighted the lack of property registries despite tax payments. "We’ve lived here for years, but our homes’ legal standing remains unclear," he said.

Naseem Khan added, "Over time, many properties were sold or leased. The government’s claims don’t account for these nuances."

Uncertain Fate of Heritage
The situation remains entangled in legal and historical complexities. While the government advances its claim, the Pataudi family retains the option to appeal. For now, the future of these historical landmarks—and the lives intertwined with them—hangs in uncertainly.