The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed actor Saif Ali Khan to appeal the central government's decision to classify historical properties of the Pataudi family as “enemy property.” The properties, estimated to be worth ₹15,000 crore, include iconic estates like the Flag Staff House, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, Dar-Us-Salam, and the Kohefiza Property.

The Enemy Property Act, enacted in 1968 and amended in 2017, allows the government to seize properties owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan during Partition. In 2014, the Custodian of Enemy Property Department declared the Pataudi family's properties in Bhopal as enemy property. The matter gained complexity following a 2016 ordinance that barred heirs from claiming ownership of such assets.

The legal contention arises from the family's lineage. Saif Ali Khan's grandmother, Sajida Sultan, remained in India and became the legal heir of the properties. However, her sister, Abida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan, triggering the government's claim under the Enemy Property Act.

Justice Vivek Agarwal emphasized that Khan has a statutory remedy under the amended act, instructing him to file an appeal with the appellate authority within 30 days. While the court mandated the tribunal to address the case on its merits, there is no confirmation whether Khan has taken the necessary legal steps.

The dispute underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding enemy property claims in India, where historical ties and legal intricacies collide.