The Pataudi family, whose lineage is entwined with the legacy of Bhopal’s Nawabs, faces a pivotal moment as the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s recent decision brings their Rs 15,000 crore ancestral properties closer to government acquisition.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s recent ruling to lift the stay imposed in 2015 has paved the way for the government to proceed under the Enemy Property Act 1968. Justice Vivek Agarwal directed all parties to file representations with the appellate authority within 30 days, ensuring the appeal is decided on merit without procedural delays.
Justice Vivek Agarwal, in his ruling, directed the concerned parties to present their arguments before the appellate authority within 30 days. He emphasised that procedural delays must not hinder the resolution of this contentious case, stating: “If a representation is filed within 30 days, the appellate authority shall not advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits.”
The ancestral estates, deeply rooted in Bhopal’s history, include:
- Flag Staff House: Saif Ali Khan’s childhood home, a symbol of familial legacy.
- Noor-Us-Sabah Palace: A luxurious heritage hotel today.
- Dar-Us-Salam, Ahmedabad Palace, and Kohefiza Property: Among the other prominent landmarks.
With an estimated value of Rs 15,000 crore, these properties are integral to the city’s architectural and cultural identity, further complicating the case. While a 2019 court decision recognised Sajida Sultan—Hamidullah Khan’s second daughter and Saif Ali Khan’s grandmother—as the legal heir, the recent order reignites questions about Abida Sultan’s migration and its implications.
What Is Enemy Property?
The Enemy Property Act, 1968, enacted in the aftermath of Partition, allows the Indian government to seize properties left behind by individuals who migrated to Pakistan or China. The legislation, amended in 2017, strengthens the government’s ability to manage and claim such assets, designating them as “enemy property.” The Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) oversees these assets, acting as their legal guardian.
In the case of the Pataudi family, the government’s claim arises from the migration of Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, to Pakistan in 1950. This act classified her share of the properties as “enemy property,” setting the stage for a long-standing legal dispute.
Historical Context: Partition’s shadow over Bhopal’s Nawabi legacy
The properties in question belonged to Nawab Hamidullah Khan, the last ruler of Bhopal. After his death, his three daughters inherited his wealth:
- Abida Sultan, the eldest, migrated to Pakistan in 1950.
- Sajida Sultan, the second daughter, remained in India, married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and was recognised as the legal heir.
- The third daughter, uninvolved in the dispute, has no claims.
The migration of Abida Sultan to Pakistan made her share of the properties subject to the Enemy Property Act, which defines assets of individuals who left for enemy nations as government property.
Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh announced plans to scrutinise ownership records spanning 72 years to establish the legal status of the properties. However, the move has sparked widespread anxiety among the 1.5 lakh residents occupying these lands, many of whom fear eviction or being categorised as tenants under state leasing laws.
