Immovable Enemy Properties in India refers to properties (such as land, buildings, and other fixed assets) that were left behind by people who migrated to Pakistan during the partition of India in 1947 and subsequently to China after the 1962 war. These properties came under the custody of the Indian government through the Enemy Property Act of 1968, which was amended in 2017 to strengthen the powers of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI).

How did the concept of enemy property begin?

The concept of enemy property emerged after the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, as well as the Sino-Indian war of 1962. Following these conflicts, the Indian government took control of properties and businesses owned by individuals who had migrated and acquired citizenship in Pakistan or China.

What legislation governs enemy property?

The Enemy Property Act, 1968, and the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017 govern enemy property.

Who manages enemy properties?

The Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI), a government official under the Ministry of Home Affairs, manages enemy properties.