A legal challenge against the green signal given to Shah Rukh Khan’s mansion expansion has hit a crucial juncture, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) demanding solid proof of alleged violations— or else.
Social activist Santosh Daundkar, who has been questioning the legality of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the superstar’s planned two-floor addition to Mannat, now has four weeks to present evidence backing his claims. If he fails, the tribunal warns his case will be thrown out.
The western zone bench, comprising Judicial Member Dinesh Kumar Singh and Expert Member Vijay Kulkarni, issued a clear directive: “If any violation by the project proponent or the MCZMA has occurred, the appellant must submit specific evidence within four weeks. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to dismiss the appeal.”
Daundkar’s case raises multiple red flags. He argues that past CRZ violations tied to Mannat should have prevented fresh clearance until they were addressed. Among the alleged infractions, he claims Khan demolished two heritage structures without obtaining necessary environmental approvals and that the plot was originally designated for an art gallery before being repurposed—without mandatory permissions.
His concerns don’t stop there. The appeal alleges the mansion was built as a six-story structure without proper MCZMA approval and that a deep basement—extending six meters underground—was illegally excavated, leading to unauthorized extraction of groundwater and minerals, both restricted under CRZ rules.
Another explosive claim? The property was supposedly intended for mass housing, with “12 one-bedroom flats” planned, which were later merged into a single luxury home—potentially violating urban land regulations.
The Tribunal, however, noted that most of these allegations date back to 2000-2006, while the latest CRZ clearance was granted in January 2025 under the framework of the 2019 CRZ Notification. With no immediate red flags in the approval process, the NGT has placed the burden of proof squarely on Daundkar’s shoulders.
With an April 23 hearing on the horizon, the activist now faces a race against time to substantiate his claims—or see his legal battle against the Bollywood icon collapse.
