The world of Bollywood is no stranger to drama, and it seems like superstar Shah Rukh Khan is about to find himself right in the middle of a real-life saga. As the actor and his family prepare to renovate their opulent bungalow, ‘Mannat’, a social activist has raised objections, taking the matter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The planned renovation, set to commence in May, aims to add two more floors to the existing six-story structure, but activist Santosh Daundkar claims that Shah Rukh has a history of violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
It was previously reported that Shah Rukh had obtained all necessary approvals for the renovation, including a nod from the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) and the CRZ. However, Daundkar alleges that the actor has flouted the rules, and the NGT has asked him to provide evidence to support his claims within four weeks. The tribunal’s judicial member, Dinesh Kumar Singh, and expert member, Vijay Kulkarni, stated that if the project proponent or MCZMA has indeed violated procedures, the appellant must present evidence within the given timeframe, or the appeal will be dismissed.
Daundkar’s allegations against Shah Rukh are quite serious, questioning the validity of the CRZ approval for the renovation, which includes adding two more floors to the existing structure. He also claims that the actor has a history of violating CRZ rules, having allegedly demolished two ‘heritage structures’ without obtaining the necessary prior environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC). Furthermore, Daundkar’s petition states that the entire plot was reserved for an art gallery in the legal development plan, which was removed without MCZMA’s permission.
The activist has also accused Shah Rukh of constructing a six-story building above the ground floor without MCZMA’s mandatory permission. Additionally, Daundkar claims that underground constructions were carried out at ‘Mannat’, involving the illegal extraction of ‘minor minerals and groundwater’, both of which are banned under CRZ rules. He also alleges that Shah Rukh committed fraud by building a luxury home for his family under the guise of constructing 12 bedroom-hall-kitchen flats for collective housing, violating provisions of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.
The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for April 23, having found that Daundkar’s documents pertain to violations that occurred between 2000 and 2006, while the CRZ approval for the new renovation was granted in January 2025. As the drama unfolds, one thing is certain – the stage is set for a gripping showdown between Shah Rukh Khan and the social activist. Will the actor be able to navigate these allegations and proceed with his renovation plans, or will Daundkar’s objections put a halt to the project? Only time will tell.
Key Allegations Against Shah Rukh Khan
- Violating CRZ rules by demolishing two ‘heritage structures’ without prior environmental clearance.
- Constructing a six-story building above the ground floor without MCZMA’s permission.
- Carrying out underground constructions involving the illegal extraction of ‘minor minerals and groundwater’.
- Committing fraud by building a luxury home under the guise of collective housing.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for future constructions and renovations in the coastal areas of Mumbai. As the NGT weighs the evidence, the world of Bollywood will be waiting with bated breath to see how this drama unfolds.