HYDERABAD: Dismissing an application filed by the Majlis-e-Sahebzadagan Society seeking to be impleaded in an ongoing civil dispute over properties linked to the former Nizams of Hyderabad, the XI Additional Chief Judge of the City Civil Court, R Danie Ruth, ruled that the case does not involve deciding succession rights of the entire Asaf Jahi family or representing all descendants.
The impleadment plea was filed by the society claiming it represents nearly 4,500 descendants and legal heirs of the first to sixth Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. It sought to be added as a defendant in the suit. The suit in question relates to the inheritance of properties belonging to the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. These properties include the Falaknuma Palace, the Chowmohalla Palace and others.
In its petition, the society said it was formed to safeguard the welfare of the descendants of the earlier Nizams. It also argued that several trusts were created by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, for the benefit of members of the extended family. According to the society, under Mohammedan law of succession, descendants of the earlier Nizams have rights connected to the dynasty’s properties and should be allowed to take part in the case.
However, the defendants opposed the application, stating that the case concerns properties recognised as the personal assets of the seventh Nizam.
They argued that the society has no legal authority to represent thousands of alleged heirs and had not produced any authorisation from them. They also pointed out that the society had not submitted any documents showing a legal claim over the properties.
After examining the arguments, the court observed that a society registered under the Telangana Societies Registration Act can assert only its own legal rights and cannot make claims on behalf of its members without specific authorisation.
The judge also noted that the society had not produced any proof showing that the alleged descendants had authorised it to represent them. Since the society failed to establish any legal interest in the disputed properties, the court held that it cannot be impleaded.
The court further clarified that the case concerns a dispute between the existing parties over title, possession and related reliefs relating to certain properties. It does not involve deciding succession rights of the entire Asaf Jahi family or representing all descendants.