Mannat Controversy: Why is Shah Rukh Khan dragged to court? ‘Because he happens to be a celebrity?’ Explained

On July 14, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat regarding environmental concerns. Here's what happened.Mannat Controversy: Why is Shah Rukh Khan dragged to court? Explained (Photo by Sujit JAISWAL/AFP)(Sujit JAISWAL/AFP)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.Quick answers to key questions•5 QUESTIONSThe 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.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.Mannat currently has six floors and two basement levels, with clearance granted to extend it to a total of eight floors.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.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.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 rentShah 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 MannatShah Rukh Khan purchased the heritage villa, now Mannat, in 2001. He reportedly paid around ₹13 to ₹18 crore