Saif Ali Khan loses ancestral Bhopal properties.
- Actor Saif Ali Khan is currently facing major legal challenges related to his ancestral assets.
- This ruling puts Saif’s decades-old royal legacy under legal threat.
- Saif belongs to the Pataudi royal family, with deep historical ties to Bhopal.
Saif Ali Khan’s Rs 15,000 Crore Ancestral Property Declared ‘Enemy Property’: A Royal Legacy at Legal Crossroads
A Royal Lineage in Question
Saif Ali Khan, the son of legendary actress Sharmila Tagore and former Indian cricket captain and Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, is the grandson of Sajida Sultan, daughter The royal family’s influence, history, and property in Bhopal are not only massive in size but also deep-rooted in the subcontinent’s pre-independence aristocratic culture.
At the heart of the matter is the interpretation of inheritance under the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, and the government’s application of the Enemy Property Act, which allows.
High Court Ruling and Its Implications
Mother Sharmila Tagore as rightful successors of the property through Sajida Sultan.
This decision came in response to an appeal filed by the heirs of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who argued that the original property distribution was flawed and did not comply with Islamic inheritance laws. The appeal claimed that all heirs of the Nawab—including those descended from other daughters—deserved an equal share based on the Shariat law that was valid at the time of Hamidullah Khan’s death.
The High Court agreed with the petitioners, effectively nullifying the earlier property allocation and instructing the trial court to rehear the case from scratch and complete proceedings within one year. This landmark order has the potential to reshape the inheritance structure of one of India’s most historically significant royal families.
Declaration as Enemy Property
The move was based on the fact that Abida Sultan, one of Nawab Hamidullah’s daughters, migrated to Pakistan after Partition and was considered an enemy under the law.
Although Sajida Sultan, Saif’s grandmother and Abida’s sister, remained in India, the government’s argument leans on Abida’s migration to claim that the entire estate was tainted under the Enemy Property Act. In effect, this allowed the government to seize several royal properties, including:
- Flag Staff House (Saif’s childhood home)
- Noor-Us-Sabah Palace (now a luxury hotel)
- Dar-Us-Salam
- Habibi Bungalow
- Ahmedabad Palace
- Kohefiza Property
These estates not only hold immense financial value but also sentimental and historic significance for the Pataudi family.
Temporary Relief Turned Sour
In 2015, Saif Ali Khan had challenged the declaration and managed to secure a temporary stay from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
The court did provide a 30-day window for Saif and his family to file a fresh claim to assert their rights, but no application was submitted within the stipulated time, effectively complicating their case even further.
A Legal Maze with Emotional Stakes
These properties are not only tied to their heritage and identity but also represent a time in Indian history where nobility and legacy held profound cultural meaning.
For Saif, who has often spoken of his connection to his roots and his respect for the family name, the legal proceedings have now cast a long shadow over what was once assumed to be secure family heritage.
Family Tree at the Centre of the Storm
At the heart of the conflict lies the family tree. Nawab Hamidullah Khan had three daughters. While Sajida Sultan remained in India and married the Nawab of Pataudi (Saif’s grandfather), Abida Sultan migrated to Pakistan. It is her move that forms the legal backbone of the government’s claim. The third sister also remained in India, further complicating the line of succession under Shariat law.
On the Work Front
Amid these challenges, Saif Ali Khan continues his professional journey. He was recently seen in the Netflix thriller Jewel Thief and is all set to appear in the much-anticipated Race 4, the latest installment of his popular action franchise. He also has another upcoming project, Haiwaan, co-starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan.