Bollywood royalty may be losing its crown. Saif Ali Khan, son of the illustrious Pataudi dynasty, is entangled in a high-stakes legal battle over ancestral palaces valued at a staggering ₹15,000 crore. Once secure under family inheritance, these properties are now vulnerable to government acquisition under the Enemy Property Act. Here’s what you need to know:
A Crown in Contest
- The disputed assets span historic estates in Bhopal, including the Flag Staff House (Saif’s childhood home), Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, Habibi’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad Palace, and extensive landholdings—altogether valued at approximately ₹15,000 crore.
- These properties stem from his great-grandfather, Nawab Hamidullah Khan, whose eldest daughter, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan in 1950. Under the Enemy Property Act of 1968, such migration empowers the government to confiscate assets linked to those who moved abroad.
Courts Clear the Way
- In June 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court overturned a 2000 trial court decision that had recognized Saif, his mother Sharmila Tagore, and sisters Soha and Saba as rightful heirs. The case now returns to trial court for a fresh hearing to determine rightful shares.
- Simultaneously, the High Court rejected Saif’s 2015 appeal against the ‘enemy property’ classification, lifting the interim stay imposed in that year. As a result, the government may soon initiate formal possession proceedings.
Last Chances & Limited Shares
- The High Court granted Saif’s family a 30-day window to file an appeal with the Ministry of Home Affairs appellate authority, under the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act of 2017.
- However, legal experts indicate Saif’s family may only retain a 2–3% share of the estate even if some inheritance rights are upheld.
Implications Beyond Bollywood
- Government control could affect thousands of residents living on these properties in Bhopal, causing uncertainty over leases and potential legal disputes with local tenants.
- For the Pataudi lineage, this scenario echoes earlier royal disputes, such as the Raja of Mahmudabad case, though the 2017 amendment significantly tightens the state’s grip over contested lands.
What Lies Ahead
| Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Trial Court (next 12 months) | Will reassess inheritance claims under Muslim Personal Law versus royal succession |
| Appellate Authority (MHA) | Saif’s family has 30 days to appeal the enemy property declaration |
| Government Action | If no appeal is lodged, the Custodian of Enemy Property could assume control, potentially seizing full estates |
Final Act
Saif Ali Khan’s formative haven, the Flag Staff House, and other treasured palatial holdings may soon fall under state ownership. Even a partial win could leave the royal family with just a sliver of their once-grand legacy. As the estate’s fate moves to trial, all eyes are on how this chapter of royal inheritance and national law will conclude.