Saif Ali Khan Pataudi’s Family Could Lose Property Worth ₹15,000 Crore in Bhopal To Government: Report

Saif Ali Khan was discharged from the hospital a day after sustaining injuries during an attempted burglary at his house. Reports now suggest that historical properties in Bhopal, linked to his family and valued at ₹15,000 crore, are close to being taken over by the government. This follows the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to lift the stay order placed on these properties in 2015.

Saif Ali Khan to lose ₹15k crore property in Bhopal? here's what we know

As per the reports, the Pataudi family's ancestral properties in Bhopal, valued at ₹15,000 crore could fall under the Centre's control. These are the properties where Saif Ali Khan reportedly spent his childhood. The situation arose after a court lifted a stay order on the assets.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently removed the stay on these properties, potentially leading to their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act, of 1968. Under the Act, the Central government can claim properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan following the 1947 Partition.

On December 13, 2024, the High Court's single bench instructed the Pataudi family to present their case to the appellate authority within 30 days. However, by January 21, it remained unclear whether the family had complied.

Given the uncertain status, the Bhopal district administration declined to comment on the developments. Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh stated that any action would only follow a clear High Court order.

What is the case?

In 2015, the Enemy Property Custodian Office in Mumbai declared the Nawab of Bhopal's land as government property, prompting the Pataudi family to take the matter to court. That same year, the High Court began hearing the case involving Saif Ali Khan, his mother Sharmila Tagore, sisters Soha Ali Khan, Saba Ali Khan, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi's sister Sabiha Sultan, the Centre, and others.

The Pataudi family has been asserting their claim over land in Bhopal and Raisen, including Kohefiza's Flag House, Ahmedabad Palace, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Habibi Bungalow, and properties in Chiklod, Raisen, such as a Kothi and a forest.