Suhana Khan's Alibaug Land Deal Under Intense Scrutiny: Unpacking the Agricultural Land Controversy

Suhana Khan, the daughter of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, finds herself at the center of a legal storm, with her alleged purchase of agricultural land in Alibaug currently under significant scrutiny. Reports indicate that a substantial plot of land, originally designated for farming, was registered in her name, sparking questions about land use and regulatory compliance.

The controversy stems from the acquisition of a 1.5-acre agricultural plot in Alibaug's Thal village, valued at Rs 12.91 crore, which was reportedly registered in Suhana Khan's name in June 2023.

The land deal involved a company named Déjà Vu Farm Pvt Ltd, where Suhana Khan is listed as a director alongside her mother, Gauri Khan, and father, Shah Rukh Khan. The primary concern revolves around the nature of the land and its subsequent development.

According to Maharashtra's land laws, agricultural land is typically reserved for farming activities, and its purchase by non-agriculturists is subject to stringent rules.

Allegations suggest that the land in question, initially bought for agricultural purposes, has seen development into luxury villas and amenities, a practice that could potentially violate the established regulations for converting agricultural plots to non-agricultural use.

Adding another layer to the complexity, the land is reportedly situated in close proximity to an airfield.

This location has brought the Civil Aviation Department into the picture, which is reportedly examining the matter to ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations regarding construction near air facilities. Such scrutiny often involves verifying height restrictions and other development norms crucial for flight safety.

Sources suggest that the Income Tax Department may also be investigating the transaction, examining the financial aspects and adherence to tax laws related to such high-value property deals.

The collective attention from various governmental bodies underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the comprehensive nature of the ongoing inquiries.

This isn't the first time the Khan family's Alibaug properties have faced scrutiny. Shah Rukh Khan himself has previously encountered legal challenges concerning his own sprawling farmhouse in the area, which was also subject to investigations regarding alleged violations of coastal regulation zone norms and agricultural land conversion rules.

These past instances highlight a recurring pattern of regulatory examination over land holdings in the popular coastal town.

The legal and regulatory framework surrounding agricultural land in Maharashtra is designed to protect farming land and prevent its misuse for speculative or non-agricultural purposes without proper permits.

Any deviation from these rules can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines, demolition orders, and even acquisition of the property by the state.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on determining whether all due legal processes were followed in the acquisition and development of the Alibaug plot registered under Suhana Khan's name.

The outcome of this scrutiny will not only impact the individuals involved but also set precedents for future land transactions in sensitive zones like Alibaug.