Mannat Controversy: Why is Shah Rukh Khan dragged to court? ‘Because he happens to be a celebrity?’ Explained
On 14 July, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai bungalow. The petition involved alleged environmental violations at Mannat. Here’s what
On 14 July, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against Shah Rukh Khan's Mumbai bungalow. The petition involved alleged environmental violations at Mannat. Here’s what happened. Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat, an iconic property in Mumbai, already has six floors alongside two basement levels. The clearance permitted construction up to the eighth floor entirely. This would bring the total height beyond 37 metres. The case involved activist Santosh Daundkar's appeal against an earlier dismissal by the Green Tribunal (NGT). That dismissal came from the Green Tribunal's Western Zone in September 2025. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat construction petition? ⌵ The Supreme Court dismissed the petition challenging Shah Rukh Khan's Coastal Regulation Zone clearance for two additional floors at Mannat, allowing the construction to proceed. 2 Why was Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat construction challenged in court? ⌵ The challenge was based on allegations of environmental violations and claims that the proper clearances were bypassed, with the petitioner arguing that there was a double standard for celebrities. 3 How many floors does Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat currently have?
⌵ Mannat currently has six floors and two basement levels, with clearance granted to extend it to a total of eight floors. 4 Should celebrities receive special treatment in construction and environmental regulations? ⌵ The court expressed skepticism about the petitioner's motives, questioning whether there should be differential treatment for celebrities and emphasizing the need for adherence to laws by all property owners. 5 What are the next steps for the construction at Mannat after the court's ruling? ⌵ With the Supreme Court's dismissal of the petition, Shah Rukh Khan can proceed with the planned renovations and additions to Mannat, expected to take about two years. Also Read | Shah Rukh Khan buys ₹37 crore Delhi home where he lived with Gauri The petition sought to quash the clearance granted for two additional floors. This coastal regulation zone clearance was granted back in January 2025. Gauri Khan was also named as a party in the case. Senior advocate Shoeb Alam argued that rules had been bypassed for a celebrity. He claimed proper environmental clearance had never actually been obtained. "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?" the bench asked. Alam noted that the plot was originally earmarked for an art gallery. This requirement was reportedly deleted in 2004 without proper authorisation. Alam also alleged that two heritage structures were demolished without the required approval. Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious doubts about the petitioner's genuine intentions. Once doubts arose, the court said it wouldn't entertain the plea further. The bench pushed back. It said that the petitioner was “resurrecting” heritage claims too late. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard the case. The court further refused to send the matter back to NGT. Shah Rukh Khan living on rent Shah Rukh Khan is currently living in a rented home. He still owns his famous home, Mannat. However, his family has moved temporarily to Pali Hill, Bandra. Mannat began major renovations after Gauri Khan, the house's official owner, secured approval for two additional floors. The construction work is expected to take around two years. SRK is reportedly paying a monthly rent of ₹24.15 lakh.
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