“Madhya Pradesh High Court Ruling Could Bring Historical Estates Under Enemy Property Act”
Key Highlights:
- Properties Involved: Flag Staff House, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Ahmedabad Palace, and others, valued at Rs 15,000 crore.
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- Legal Context: Madhya Pradesh High Court lifts 2015 stay, enabling government claims under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.
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- Historical Link: Properties connected to Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s family, with Saif Ali Khan as a legal heir.
The Controversy:
The Pataudi family’s ancestral properties are under scrutiny following the court’s decision to lift the stay on the government acquisition process. These properties, tied to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, have historical significance and vast monetary value.
- Enemy Property Act Clause: The Act enables the government to take over properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan post-Partition.
- Key Trigger: Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan in 1950, making the properties subject to the Act.
Court’s Ruling:
Justice Vivek Agarwal directed stakeholders to submit representations under the amended Enemy Property Act, 2017, within 30 days. The court emphasized that appeals would not be dismissed on technical grounds.
Local Impact:
The ruling has sparked anxiety among the 1.5 lakh residents on these lands:
- Bhopal Collector’s Statement: Ownership records spanning 72 years will be reviewed; tenants may be recognized under state leasing laws.
- Residents’ Concerns: Many lack official registries, fearing eviction despite paying taxes for years.
Pataudi Family’s Legal Options:
Despite the ruling, the family can appeal to retain ownership. In 2019, the court had recognized Sajida Sultan, Saif Ali Khan’s grandmother, as the legal heir, complicating the government’s claims.
Expert Take:
- Sumer Khan: “The Pataudi family has avenues to appeal; the situation remains intricate.”
- Naseem Khan: “Many properties have changed hands over decades, making the issue far from straightforward.”