Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat faces regulatory spotlight amid coastal violation complaint and heritage concerns

Mumbai’s iconic sea-facing bungalow, Mannat—owned by superstar Shah Rukh Khan—is once again in the spotlight, but this time not for a film shoot or fan frenzy. A joint inspection by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the forest department was carried out at the Bandra Bandstand property on Friday, following a complaint alleging violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) during ongoing renovation activities.

According to a report by ETimes, the forest department confirmed the inspection, stating it was initiated in response to concerns over regulatory breaches. “A team did carry out a site inspection as we received a complaint about renovation permissions. A report will be prepared based on the findings,” said an official.

Officials from BMC’s H-West ward building and factory department, along with the building proposal division, were also present. However, the civic body clarified its limited role. “Our officials were only assisting the forest department on request,” a BMC representative noted.

Sources present at the site stated that the staff at Mannat informed authorities that all relevant permissions and documentation were in place. Shah Rukh Khan’s manager also responded to the controversy, saying that the renovations are being conducted in line with legal procedures and there have been no violations.

The issue gained further attention after former IPS officer and lawyer Y P Singh raised broader concerns related to the property’s historic background. Singh claimed that the original structure—Villa Vienna, a heritage building—was significantly altered post-2005. According to him, a seven-storey rear extension was added along with 12 sanctioned flats. These flats were later converted into a single-family luxury residence, allegedly bypassing certain norms.

This fresh scrutiny has reignited debates around how Mumbai’s coastal and heritage spaces are handled, particularly when celebrities are involved. While no official wrongdoing has yet been confirmed, the inspection has drawn attention to the balance between urban development, heritage preservation, and legal compliance.

The final inspection report is still awaited and will determine whether further action is necessary or if the matter concludes with clearance. For now, all eyes remain on the BMC and forest department’s findings.