Understanding the Enemy Property Act, 1968 and Enemy Properties in Bengaluru
- Thota Devaraju
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Enemy Property Act, 1968 is a significant Indian law enacted to regulate, vest, and manage properties left behind by individuals or entities considered enemies of the nation, primarily those who migrated to Pakistan or China during conflicts. This blog provides a detailed overview of the Act, a list of enemy properties in Bengaluru, how to check such properties officially, and additional useful insights.
What is the Enemy Property Act, 1968?
Enacted after the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Enemy Property Act vests all properties belonging to enemy nationals in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), a government-appointed authority. The Act prevents enemy nationals and their heirs from transferring, selling, or inheriting such properties.
Key Features
Enemy properties include movable and immovable assets.
Custodian has powers to take possession, manage, lease, or sell these properties.
Legal claims or inheritance rights by heirs, even Indian citizens, are restricted.
Courts have limited jurisdiction over enemy properties.
Major amendments in 2017 enhanced custodial powers and validated all actions retroactively.
This legislation guarantees national security and asserts state control over abandoned enemy assets.
Official Enemy Properties in Bengaluru
Bengaluru has six major immovable enemy properties vested with the Custodian, primarily located in areas like Raj Bhavan Road, Vittal Mallya Road, Victoria Road, Kalasipalya, and Grant Road.
Important Details
Properties range in size up to over 1.23 lakh square feet.
Combined valuation is estimated at several hundred crores of rupees.
Some properties are used by private entities, including petrol pumps and hotels, often without authorization.
The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district serves as Deputy Custodian, managing these properties locally.
Authorities are actively evaluating, evicting unauthorized occupants, and preparing properties for lease or auction.
How to Check Enemy Properties?
Transparency is ensured by the government through official publication of enemy property lists. To check these properties:
Visit the official website of the Custodian of Enemy Property: enemyproperty.mha.gov.in
Navigate to the section titled “Immovable Enemy Property” or “Status”
Download district-wise lists which include Bengaluru Urban district properties
Review details such as addresses, sizes, and current usage
This resource empowers stakeholders to verify and monitor enemy property status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can Indian citizen heirs inherit enemy properties?A: No. Amendments prevent heirs, regardless of citizenship, from inheriting enemy properties.
Q: Who manages enemy properties in Bengaluru?A: The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district is the local Deputy Custodian.
Q: Are enemy properties sold or leased?A: Yes. The Custodian may lease or sell these properties, with proceeds going to the Consolidated Fund of India.
Q: How are unauthorized occupants dealt with?A: The Custodian has authority to evict occupiers and remove illegal encroachments.
Case Study: Bengaluru’s Raj Bhavan Road Property
A prominent enemy property on Raj Bhavan Road measuring over 1.23 lakh square feet was occupied by an unauthorized petrol pump. The Deputy Commissioner’s office issued eviction notices, conducted formal valuation, and initiated auction processes under the Act to repurpose it for public benefit—illustrating effective enforcement and governance.
Conclusion
The Enemy Property Act, 1968 remains extensive legislation safeguarding national interests by overseeing assets of enemy nationals. Bengaluru’s properties exemplify this ongoing custodial challenge and state responsibility. Citizens can stay informed and verify property statuses through official channels, fostering transparency and trust.
For the latest updates and verified lists, always consult the official Custodian of Enemy Property website. Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the legal interpretations and property data herein are based on publicly available government and media sources as of the publication date.
This content does not constitute legal advice or establish any attorney-client relationship. Readers should consult qualified legal professionals or government authorities for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. The author and hosting platform disclaim any liability for actions taken based on this information.