By Risha Ganguly
In a major setback for actor Saif Ali Khan, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed his long-standing petition challenging the government’s classification of his family’s ancestral properties in Bhopal as ‘enemy property.’ The ruling paves the way for the government to take over assets reportedly worth Rs 15,000 crore, once belonging to the royal family of Bhopal. What is the inheritance matter? The matter dates back to 2014 when the Custodian of Enemy Property Department issued a notice declaring the Pataudi family’s estates in Bhopal under the Enemy Property Act. Saif had contested the declaration in 2015 and secured a temporary stay. However, on December 13, 2024, the High Court lifted the stay, dismissing Saif’s challenge. The court also granted Saif and his family 30 days to approach the appellate tribunal. With the deadline now expired and no claim filed, the properties are legally eligible for government acquisition, and the Bhopal district administration may soon initiate the takeover. ALSO READ: Kareena Kapoor On Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident: He’s Iron Man; Don’t Want To Put My Stress Onto Taimur-Jeh The Pataudi estate can be reshaped following the final verdict The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1958 and strengthened after the 1965 India-Pakistan war, allows the Indian government to seize the properties of individuals who migrated to Pakistan or China and ceased to be Indian citizens. The law has been central to several high-profile property disputes, including this one. Adding to the complexities, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has also overturned a 25-year-old ruling in the Bhopal royal family inheritance dispute. The case, involving Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s heirs, will now be reheard by a trial court. The original decision had favoured Sajida Sultan, Saif’s great-grandmother, but other heirs argue the estate division should follow Muslim Personal Law. This development could reshape the inheritance structure of the Pataudi royal family and property worth 15000 crore, belonging to the Bhopali royals.