The Madhya Pradesh High Court has overturned a previous trial court ruling that had recognized Saif Ali Khan, his sisters Soha and Saba, and mother Sharmila Tagore as legal successors to the Bhopal royal family’s vast ancestral properties. The reversal comes in response to a long-standing appeal filed by other descendants of Nawab Hamidullah Khan, challenging the earlier distribution of assets in favor of Sajida Sultan—Saif’s grandmother and daughter of the Nawab.
Fresh Trial Ordered in Inheritance Dispute
The court directed the trial court to restart the proceedings from scratch and complete the case within one year. The legal contention arises from the demand for property partition based on the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act of 1937, which was in force at the time of Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s death in 1960.
Properties Declared Enemy Assets
Adding to Saif Ali Khan’s legal troubles, the Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld a 2014 declaration that labelled several family properties as “enemy property.” This includes significant real estate like the Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Flag Staff House (Saif’s childhood home), Dar-Us-Salam, and multiple bungalows and estates in Bhopal.
The declaration is grounded in the Enemy Property Act, which permits the Indian government to seize assets belonging to individuals who migrated to Pakistan after the Partition. Since one of Nawab Hamidullah Khan’s daughters, Abida Sultan, moved to Pakistan, the government has treated her inheritance as enemy property, affecting the entire estate.
Saif’s Legal Battle and Missed Deadline
Saif had earlier secured a temporary stay against the government’s claim in 2015. However, the High Court lifted this stay in December 2024, and gave Saif and his family 30 days to reclaim rights over the contested properties. No legal claim was filed within that window, further weakening their position.
Royal Family Background
Nawab Hamidullah Khan had three daughters. While two remained in India, Abida Sultan migrated to Pakistan. Saif Ali Khan is the grandson of Sajida Sultan, one of the daughters who stayed in India. The government’s classification of the inheritance as enemy property stems from Abida Sultan’s migration, despite the current heirs being from branches that stayed in India.
Saif Ali Khan’s Film Career
On the professional front, Saif was last seen in Netflix’s Jewel Thief. He is set to return in the fourth installment of the Race film franchise and has another upcoming film, Haiwaan, co-starring Akshay Kumar and directed by Priyadarshan.
