Final legal nod: The Supreme Court upheld CRZ clearance for Mannat’s two-floor expansion, dismissing activist Santosh Daundkar’s appeal.
Doubts on petition: The bench questioned the petitioner’s motives, affirming that lawful home renovations are permissible.
Work set to resume: With the case closed, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan can move forward with the approved renovation.
Supreme Court affirms NGT decision
The Supreme Court declined to interfere with the National Green Tribunal’s order that upheld the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority’s clearance for Mannat’s renovation. The proposed addition of two floors to the existing six-storey annexe was found to comply with CRZ-II norms. Authorities concluded that the renovation met regulatory requirements set under the 2019 Coastal Zone Management Plan. NDTV 24x7
Bench questions credibility of challenge
Chief Justice Surya Kant and the bench expressed “serious doubts” over the bona fides of petitioner Santosh Daundkar. The court emphasised that property owners may renovate if they comply with the law and rejected pleas to send the matter back to the NGT. It also clarified that celebrity status had no bearing on the decision. NDTV 24x7
Dispute centred on coastal and heritage claims
The petition alleged violations of coastal regulations, improper property classification, and demolition of heritage structures without approval. It challenged the CRZ clearance granted by the MCZMA for the expansion, but both the NGT and Supreme Court found no procedural or legal infirmity. The NGT also noted that only vertical expansion was planned and the site lay within a developed CRZ-II area. Hindustan Times
Renovation plans and next steps
With the legal challenge dismissed, Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan can proceed with the approved expansion of their Bandra property. The family has temporarily moved to a luxury apartment in Pali Hill while work continues. The decision underscores that regulated modifications to coastal heritage properties are permissible when they meet CRZ and environmental compliance requirements. ET Now
