The Supreme Court on 14 July dismissed a petition challenging the environmental clearance granted for two additional floors at Shah Rukh Khan's iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana, not only rejected the plea but also sharply questioned the petitioner's motives, asking why only the celebrity was being targeted despite widespread violations in the city.
The Legal Battle Over Mannat
The case was filed by activist Santosh Daundkar, who appealed against an earlier dismissal by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT's Western Zone had rejected the plea in September 2025, prompting Daundkar to move the apex court. The petition sought to quash the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) clearance granted in January 2025 for constructing additional floors atop the existing six-story structure plus two basements. The clearance permitted construction up to the eighth floor, raising the total height beyond 37 metres.
Senior advocate Shoeb Alam, representing the petitioner, argued that rules had been bypassed for a celebrity. He claimed proper environmental clearance was never obtained and pointed to two alleged violations: the plot was originally earmarked for an art gallery (a requirement deleted in 2004 without authorisation), and two heritage structures were reportedly demolished without required approval. Alam also noted that Gauri Khan, Shah Rukh's wife who officially owns the property, was named as a party.
The bench, however, turned the argument around. "Is there no violation of laws by other building owners? Why did you pick up a case only against one person? Because he happens to be a celebrity?" Chief Justice Surya Kant asked. The court expressed serious doubts about the petitioner's genuine intentions, stating that once such doubts arise, it would not entertain the plea further. The judges also noted that the heritage claims were being "resurrected" too late and refused to send the matter back to NGT.
Shah Rukh Khan Living on Rent
While the legal drama unfolded, Shah Rukh Khan has temporarily vacated Mannat for major renovations. The family moved to a rented property called Puja Casa on Pali Hill, Bandra. Reports indicate SRK is paying a monthly rent of ₹24.15 lakh, with a three-year lease totaling approximately ₹8.67 crore. The building, owned by the Bhagnani family, spans four floors and houses two duplex apartments across 10,500 square feet, accommodating his family, staff, and security team. Celebrity couple Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh also reside in the same building.
Gauri Khan, who secured approval for two additional floors at Mannat, also leased a separate nearby flat for household staff during the transition. The construction work at Mannat is expected to take around two years. It is notable that Shah Rukh Khan purchased the heritage villa—originally known as Villa Vienna—in 2001 for an estimated ₹13 to ₹18 crore from Nariman Dubash. He briefly named it Jannat before officially renaming it Mannat in 2005.
Background of the Controversy
The Mannat case is a classic example of the tension between celebrity status and legal accountability. Activist Santosh Daundkar has been involved in several environmental and heritage cases in Mumbai. In this instance, he argued that the CRZ clearance was granted without proper scrutiny, and that the heritage value of the area—Mannat lies in a coastal regulation zone—was compromised. The National Green Tribunal had previously dismissed the case, citing lack of evidence of serious environmental harm, but Daundkar persisted.
The Supreme Court's intervention highlighted a different aspect: selective targeting. The bench observed that many buildings in Mumbai violate CRZ norms and heritage laws, but only a high-profile case like Shah Rukh Khan's gets pursued. The judges questioned whether the activist was genuinely concerned about the environment or simply seeking publicity by taking on a celebrity. This line of reasoning ultimately led to the dismissal.
Mannat's History and Significance
Mannat is more than just a home for Shah Rukh Khan; it is a symbol of his journey from a middle-class Delhi boy to Bollywood's king. The villa, built in the early 20th century, was once a quiet residence in Bandra. After Khan purchased it in 2001, he transformed it into a tourist attraction. The property's wrought-iron gates are a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. Over the years, Mannat has undergone several modifications, but the current renovation—adding two floors—is the most extensive.
The controversy also casts a spotlight on Mumbai's real estate and environmental regulations. The city's coastline is governed by CRZ rules that restrict construction. Activists have long argued that powerful individuals, including film stars and industrialists, flout these norms with impunity. The Mannat case, however, appears to be one where the court found the petitioner's motives questionable, rather than endorsing any violation.
Shah Rukh Khan's Next Release
Amid the legal battle and home renovation, Shah Rukh Khan continues to prepare for his upcoming film, King, scheduled for release on 24 December. Directed by Siddharth Anand, who helmed Pathaan, the film also stars Suhana Khan (Shah Rukh's daughter), Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, and Jackie Shroff. The movie is reportedly inspired by the 1994 French classic Leon: The Professional. With a star-studded cast and a Christmas release, King is expected to be one of the year's biggest blockbusters.
Shah Rukh Khan's career has seen numerous highs, including recent successes like Jawan and Dunki. Despite the legal huddles, his fan base remains unwavering. The Mannat controversy might have faded from the headlines, but the rented life on Pali Hill and the ongoing construction ensure that the iconic bungalow will soon be ready for new chapters.
Source:MSN News