The historic properties of the Pataudi family, valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore and linked to Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, are now closer to coming under government control. In a significant development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has lifted the stay on these properties, which had been in place since 2015. This decision potentially opens the path for their acquisition under the Enemy Property Act of 1968.

Among the notable properties under scrutiny are the Flag Staff House, where Saif Ali Khan spent his childhood, as well as Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, the Bungalow of Habibi, Ahmedabad Palace, and Kohefiza Property, among others. Delivering the ruling, Justice Vivek Agarwal emphasised that the amended Enemy Property Act of 2017 provides a statutory remedy. He instructed the concerned parties to submit their representations within 30 days.

"If a representation is filed within 30 days from today, the appellate authority shall not advert to the aspect of limitation and shall deal with the appeal on its own merits," the court stated.

The Enemy Property Act allows the central government to seize properties that belong to individuals who moved to Pakistan after the Partition.

Hamidullah Khan, the last Nawab of Bhopal, had three daughters. His eldest, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan in 1950, while his second daughter, Sajida Sultan, remained in India, married Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and became the legal heir. Sajida's grandson, Saif Ali Khan, inherited some of these properties. However, the government’s claim to the properties as "enemy property" was based on Abida Sultan’s migration to Pakistan.

In 2019, the court recognised Sajida Sultan as the rightful heir. However, a recent ruling has reignited the property dispute within the family.

Bhopal's collector, Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, announced plans to review the ownership records of these properties over the past 72 years. He mentioned that individuals occupying these lands may be tenants under state leasing laws. The potential government takeover has caused anxiety for around 1.5 lakh residents, many fearing they may face eviction as the government proceeds with surveys and ownership verification.

"The stay has been lifted, but merging these properties under the Enemy Property Act is complicated. The Pataudi family still has a chance to appeal," a resident named Sumer Khan said. Another resident, Chand Mian, voiced concern. "We pay taxes, but there's no registry for our homes. The Nawab's leases should still stand."

Naseem Khan, a dweller, said, "The government is claiming these properties, but many have been sold or leased over the years. This issue is far from straightforward."

The situation is complicated, and with legal options still available to the family, the future of these historic properties remains uncertain.