In a significant legal development, the City Civil Court, Hyderabad, has dismissed an application filed by Azmet Jah and Shekhar Jah seeking rejection of the partition suit instituted by Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, grandson of His Exalted Highness Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, Nizam VII.
The Hon’ble XI Additional Chief Judge, City Civil Court, Hyderabad, dismissed the Interlocutory Application (I.A. No. 79 of 2024) filed by Azmet Jah and Shekhar Jah. The decision allows the partition case (O.S. No. 404 of 2021), filed by Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, to proceed to a full trial.
The suit involves 232 defendants, including the Indian Hotels Company Private Limited, which operates the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Among the many names cited in the suit is Princess Zairin Mukarram Jah, daughter of Asaf Jah VIII Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur and his wife Princess Jamila Boularas. The case seeks partition and separate possession of five historic palaces of the late Nizam VII — Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Purani Haveli, King Kothi Palace, and Harewood & Cedars Bungalow in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, collectively valued at over ₹10,000 crores.
Counsel for Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, Mr. Mohd. Adnan, son of the late Advocate Osman Shaheed, argued that the plaintiff, as one of the rightful heirs of His Exalted Highness, is in constructive possession of the ancestral properties, and that issues of possession, ownership, and valuation can only be determined through a detailed trial. After reviewing the submissions and evidence, the Court dismissed the plea filed by Azmet Jah and Shekhar Jah, who were represented through their Special Power of Attorney holders, Abul Faiz Khan and Faiz Bin Jung.
In his statement, Nawab Najaf Ali Khan said: “This order is a reaffirmation of faith in justice and due process. The properties and heritage of my grandfather, H.E.H. Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, belong collectively to all legitimate heirs, not to any one individual. I am confident that the truth will prevail during trial, and I stand prepared to approach the Hon’ble Telangana High Court and, if necessary, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to assert and protect my rightful share in the legacy of my esteemed grandfather.”
