Supreme Court Pauses Bhopal Royal Estate Case
The Supreme Court has temporarily stopped a recent decision by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. That decision had sent a 50-year-old property dispute involving the royal estate of Bhopal’s last Nawab, Hamidullah Khan, back to the trial court for a fresh hearing. The estate includes palaces, land, and jewellery, estimated to be worth over ₹15,000 crore.
Who Is Involved
The legal heirs include actor Saif Ali Khan, his siblings Soha and Saba, and their mother, Sharmila Tagore—descendants of the Nawab’s daughter Sajida Sultan. Other family members, such as descendants of the Nawab’s brother, are also contesting the inheritance.
Why This Is Important
The trial court in 2000 had ruled that the property should pass to Sajida Sultan’s line, as she inherited the royal seat (“gaddi”). However, the High Court recently overturned that ruling, stating the property should follow Muslim personal law, which divides inheritance among all heirs.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court has issued notices to all parties involved and given them four weeks to respond. The matter is expected to be heard again in mid-September.
