New Delhi: The government might take over the properties of the Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in Bhopal under the Enemy Property Act, 1968 rather sooner than later after the Madhya Pradesh high court last month lifted a stay on these properties, which had been in place since 2015. The HC had directed the Pataudi family to approach the appellate tribunal within 30 days but the deadline has passed and the family has not yet taken a decision on this.
“The high court has paved the way for government proceedings to start under the Enemy Property Act,” said Bhopal collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, who confirmed plans to verify ownership records dating back 72 years, according to an NDTV report.
Case’s roots trace back to the partition of the country
The properties include the historic Flag Staff House, where Saif Ali Khan spent his childhood, as well as Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam and Ahmedabad Palace. These properties are worth around Rs 15,000 crore.
The case’s roots trace back to the partition of the country. Bhopal’s last Nawab Hamidullah Khan had three daughters, with the eldest Abida Sultan migrating to Pakistan in 1950. Her migration rendered her assets eligible for government takeover under the Enemy Property Act. Saif Ali Khan inherited a share of these properties through his grandmother, Sajida Sultan, the second daughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, who stayed in India. Saif Ali Khan challenged the government’s notice declaring the properties as “enemy property” and secured a stay in 2015.
Anxiety among the residents
Enemy Property Act pertains to a law allowing the Union government to claim properties belonging to those who left for Pakistan post-Partition.
The decision has caused anxiety among the residents occupying these properties, who fear eviction. “We’ve lived here for decades and paid taxes. Declaring us as tenants is unfair,” said a resident.
According to legal experts, while the government has a strong case, disputes over sales, leases, and ownership are likely to prolong the matter. They have also pointed out that the district administration can start the proceedings to take over the properties anytime.
