What Happened on Saif Ali Khan's property dispute in Bhopal?
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on June 30, 2025, overturned a long-standing 2000 trial court decision that affirmed Saif Ali Khan, his mother, and sisters as legal heirs to ancestral estates in Bhopal. The court has ordered a fresh trial and also reaffirmed significant properties—estimated at ₹15,000 crore—as "enemy property" under the Enemy Property Act.
Why "Enemy Property"?
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Under the Enemy Property Act (1958, amended 1968), any assets belonging to individuals who moved to "enemy nations" can be seized by the government
In 1947, the princely state of Bhopal was rules by Nawab Hamidullah Khan; he had three daughters, the eldest of whom,Abida Sultan migrated to Pakistan in 1950's.
The Second daughter Sajida Sultan, stayed in India and married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played cricket for both England and India; later whose son was the Legendary crickter Mansoor Ali Khan "Tiger" Pataudi.
Hierarchy : Saif Ali Khan is son of Mansoor Ali Khan Tiger Pataudi.; Mansoor Ali Khan Tiger Pataudi is son of Sajida Sultan.
Saif Ali Khan inherited a share of the properties in Bhopal
Impacted Properties:
Key estates now under scrutiny include:
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Flag Staff House (his childhood home)
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Noor-Us-Sabah Palace
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Dar-Us-Salam
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Habibi's Bungalow
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Ahmedabad Palace
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Kohefiza Property
Next Steps:
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The High Court has remanded the case to the trial court with instructions to conclude within one year
Legal heirs opposing Saif’s claim argue that inheritance should follow Muslim Personal Law rather than royal succession.
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With no appeal filed after the December 2024 tribunal deadline, the Bhopal district administration is now empowered to begin seizing the properties
Key Points to Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Valuation | Approx. ₹15,000 crore in Bhopal royal estates |
Court Decision |
Title reaffirmed as enemy property; retrial ordered |
Legal Basis |
Enemy Property Act citing Partition-era migration |
Timeline |
Trial court must resolve case within one year |
Heirs' Argument |
Inheritance should follow Muslim Personal Law |
This development not only reopens one of India’s most prominent royal inheritance disputes but also puts a spotlight on the broader implications of the Enemy Property Act for families with Partition-era connections.
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