The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition by Sultana Begum, widow of the great-grandson of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II, seeking ownership of the Red Fort. Sultana Begum claimed herself as the alleged legal heir of Bahadur Shah Zafar II.
In her petition, Sultana Begum demanded control over the Red Fort located in the capital city of Delhi, claiming that it was built by her ancestors, hence it's part of their heritage.
'Why Only Red Fort...'
Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna noted the petition appears frivolous. The Supreme Court questioned Sultana Begum about why only the Red Fort? Why abandon claims on Fatehpur Sikri and other places? Previously, the Delhi High Court also rejected Sultana Begum's petition.
Following this, Sultana Begum challenged the Delhi High Court's decision in the Supreme Court. Sultana Begum resides with her family in a cramped and dilapidated area of Kolkata, making a living by sewing paper envelopes and trimming fabric hems.
High Court Had Rejected Petition
In December 2024, the Delhi High Court dismissed Sultana's petition claiming the Red Fort. Sultana Begum, wife of the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar II, had previously filed a petition which the Delhi High Court rejected in December 2021. Subsequently, Sultana Begum appealed against that decision, but the High Court dismissed it, stating the challenge was filed two and a half years late, which is unacceptable. Following this, she approached the Supreme Court.
