Madhya Pradesh: The Pataudi family’s historic properties, valued at Rs 15,000 crore and associated with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, are now closer to being taken under government control. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently ruled to lift a stay placed on these properties in 2015. This decision brings the properties one step closer to possible acquisition under the Enemy Property Act of 1968.
The Supreme Court ruled that enemy properties vested with government-appointed custodians are not assets of the central government. The court emphasized that the custodian is a trustee and does not acquire ownership of the assets. Hence, the central government cannot claim exemption from civic taxes. The ruling favored the Lucknow Municipal Corporation in their appeal.
