Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat Renovation Gets Green Light from NGT, Clearing CRZ Hurdles

In a significant victory for Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has definitively cleared the path for the renovation of his iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. The NGT's Principal Bench, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, dismissed all challenges to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) approval granted for the construction, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle.

The controversy stemmed from a petition filed by Mahesh Makhija, which contested the CRZ clearance issued by the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) on December 13, 2021.

The approval was for proposed additions and alterations to Khan's bungalow, 'Mannat Lands End,' located at Bandstand, Bandra (West). Makhija's primary contention was that the plot fell within CRZ-II, and the planned renovation, which included a new 'G+3' floor and an internal staircase, violated environmental norms.

He alleged that the MCZMA's decision was 'erroneous and illegal' and sought its quashing.

Khan's legal team, represented by senior advocate Aspi Chinoy and others, vehemently opposed these claims. They argued that the proposed construction strictly adhered to the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, and subsequent amendments.

Crucially, they pointed out that the bungalow was an existing structure located on the landward side of the existing road, thus falling squarely within CRZ-II regulations which permit such developments. Furthermore, the plans submitted for approval did not include any construction on the seaward side of the road, addressing environmental concerns head-on.

The NGT, after thoroughly reviewing the arguments and evidence presented by both sides, found no merit in the petitioner's challenge.

The Tribunal concluded that the MCZMA's decision to grant CRZ approval was well-reasoned and in compliance with the relevant environmental regulations. This verdict reaffirms that the proposed renovation of Mannat is in line with the legal framework governing coastal zones in India, ensuring that the much-anticipated upgrades to the superstar's home can now proceed without further legal impediments.

This ruling brings a sigh of relief for Shah Rukh Khan and his family, allowing them to finally move forward with their renovation plans for the historic sea-facing property.

Mannat, a significant landmark in Mumbai, has been home to the Bollywood Badshah for decades and is a popular tourist attraction. The NGT's decision not only validates the MCZMA's approval but also clarifies the application of CRZ norms for existing structures in designated zones, setting a precedent for similar cases.