Mannat Controversy: Why Is Shah Rukh Khan Being Taken To Court? “Because he happens to be a celebrity?” Explained | Today’s news
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 is what happened.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat, an iconic property in Mumbai, already has six floors in addition to two underground floors. The clearance allowed construction up to the eighth floor completely. The total height would thus exceed 37 meters.
The case related to activist Santosh Daundkar’s appeal against earlier dismissal by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This release came from the West Zone of the National Green Tribunal in September 2025.
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The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging Shah Rukh Khan’s coastal regulation zone clearance for two more floors at Mannat, allowing construction to proceed.
The challenge was based on allegations of environmental violations and claims that due diligence was circumvented, with the petitioner claiming there was a double standard on celebrities.
Mannat currently has six floors and two basement floors, with permission to expand to a total of eight floors.
The court expressed skepticism about the petitioner’s motives, questioned whether there should be differential treatment of celebrities, and emphasized the need for law enforcement by all property owners.
With the Supreme Court dismissing the petition, Shah Rukh Khan can go ahead with the planned renovations and additions to Mannat, which will take about two years.
Read also | Shah Rukh Khan will buy a house in Delhi for ₹ 37 crore where he lived with Gauri
The petition sought to cancel the permission granted for two additional floors. This Coastal Regulatory Zone permission was already granted in January 2025. Gauri Khan was also named as a party in the case.
Senior advocate Shoeb Alam argued that the rules were being circumvented for the celebrity. He claimed that proper environmental clearance was never actually obtained.
“There is no violation of laws by the other building owners? Why did you drop the case against only one person? Because he happens to be a celebrity?” asked the bench.
Alam noted that the land was originally intended for an art gallery. This requirement was reportedly dropped in 2004 without proper authorization. Alam also alleged that two heritage structures were demolished without the required approval.
Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious doubts about the true intentions of the petitioner. As soon as doubts arose, the court declared that it would not consider the case any further.
The bench moved away. She said the claimant would “resurrect” inheritance claims too late. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also heard the case. The court further refused to remand the matter to the NGT.
Shah Rukh Khan living in a rental
Shah Rukh Khan is currently living in a rented house. He still owns his famous house Mannat. However, his family temporarily shifted to Pali Hill, Bandra.
Mannat began a major renovation after Gauri Khan, the official owner of the house, secured approval for two more floors. Construction work should take approximately two years.
SRK reportedly pays a monthly rent of Rs ₹24.15 crores. Its three-year lease amounts to approx ₹8.67 million crowns. The rental property, Puja Casa, is spread over four floors.
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It offers two 10,500 square foot duplex apartments. That suits his family, staff and security team. The building belongs to the Bhagnani family. The same building also houses the famous couple Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh.
The lease was signed by Vashu, Jackky and Deepshikha Bhagnani. Gauri Khan also rented a separate apartment nearby. This smaller apartment houses the household staff during the transition.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat
Shah Rukh Khan bought the historic villa, now Mannat, in 2001. He reportedly paid around ₹13 to ₹18 crore to the previous owner, Nariman Dubash.
Read also | SRK’s Mannat may add 2 more floors – SC dismisses plea challenging CRZ’s permission
The castle was originally built in the early 20th century and was known as Villa Vienna. When Khan originally bought her, he briefly called her Jannat before officially renaming her Mannat in 2005.
Shah Rukh Khan’s next release
SRK will next be seen in King, which is slated to release on December 24. Directed by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand, the Christmas release also features Khan’s daughter Suhana.
Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. The film is said to be inspired by the 1994 French classic, Leon: The Professional.
