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 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 National Green Tribunal (NGT). That dismissal came from the National Green Tribunal's Western Zone in September 2025.

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. His three-year lease totals roughly ₹8.67 crore. The rented property, Puja Casa, spans four floors.

It offers two duplex apartments across 10,500 square feet. This accommodates his family, staff and security team. The building belongs to the Bhagnani family. Celebrity couple Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh also reside in the same building.

The lease was signed via Vashu, Jackky and Deepshikha Bhagnani. Gauri Khan also leased a separate flat nearby. This smaller apartment houses household staff during the transition.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat

Shah Rukh Khan purchased the heritage villa, now Mannat, in 2001. He reportedly paid around ₹13 to ₹18 crore to the previous owner, Nariman Dubash.

The mansion was originally built in the early 20th century and was known as Villa Vienna. When Khan initially bought it, he briefly called it Jannat before officially renaming it Mannat in 2005.

Shah Rukh Khan’s next release

SRK will next be seen in King, scheduled for release on 24 December. The Christmas release, directed by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand, also features Khan’s daughter, Suhana.

The cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff. The movie is reportedly inspired by the 1994 French classic, Leon: The Professional.