The Pataudi family’s historical properties, valued at around ₹15,000 crore, may soon come under government control following a significant ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This decision has lifted a stay that had been in place since 2015, opening the door for potential acquisition under the Enemy Property Act of 1968.
Background of the Properties
These properties are closely linked to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and include notable landmarks such as the Flag Staff House, where he grew up, as well as Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, and several others. The court’s ruling has reignited a long-standing legal dispute regarding ownership and heritage.
Justice Vivek Agarwal, who presided over the case, noted that there is a statutory remedy available under the amended Enemy Property Act of 2017. He directed involved parties to submit their representations within 30 days. If filed on time, the appellate authority will review appeals based on their merits without considering any limitations.
Legal Context
The Enemy Property Act allows the government to claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. The case centers around Hamidullah Khan, the last Nawab of Bhopal, whose eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan in 1950. In contrast, his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, remained in India and married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Although Sajida was recognized as the legal heir in 2019, the government has focused on Abida’s migration as grounds for claiming these properties as “enemy property.”
Impact on Residents
The potential takeover has caused anxiety among approximately 150,000 residents living on lands associated with these properties. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh announced plans to review ownership records over the past 72 years. Residents fear they may be classified as tenants under state leasing laws, which could lead to eviction.
Local residents have expressed concerns about their housing security. Many have lived on these lands for years without formal registry for their homes. As one resident pointed out, while they pay taxes, there is uncertainty about their rights to stay.
Looking Forward
The complexities surrounding the implementation of the Enemy Property Act mean that while the court’s recent ruling has given momentum to the government’s claims, significant legal and logistical challenges remain. The Pataudi family still has avenues for appeal, and public sentiment regarding this issue is palpable.
As the government moves forward with surveys and ownership evaluations, both the Pataudi family and local residents brace for what could be a lengthy and contentious battle over these historically significant properties. The outcome will not only affect the family but also impact many lives tied to this royal heritage in Bhopal.
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