Many Mumbai natives and Bollywood followers consider Shah Rukh Khan’s seaside home, Mannat, an icon. Mannat has become the symbol of SRK’s success, from a modest Delhi boy to a worldwide name. Fans throng the world-famous gates to click photos outside them, and fans gather at major events with the hope of catching a glimpse of their beloved actor.

However, charges of unlawful construction have put this cherished property in the spotlight lately for the exact opposite reason.

What really is happening beyond those imposing barriers, then? Let’s dissect it.

Concerns regarding ongoing repairs at Mannat were voiced earlier this month by social activist Santosh Daundkar. It is his claim that the work that was done was not completely legal, and it’s likely that the approvals needed weren’t obtained. Thus, personnel from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as well as the Forest Department were dispatched to the property to inspect.

The visit wasn’t random. According to reports in the Times of India, the authorities were specifically responding to the complaint. When they visited with Shah Rukh Khan’s team, they were given the assurance that all renovation permits and paperwork would be turned in shortly.

“Yes, we did conduct a site inspection following receipt of a complaint,” a forest officer affirmed.

 A report will be prepared based on what we observed.”

Naturally, the buzz around Mannat’s renovation spread quickly. Everything is taking place in compliance with the rules.

To put it briefly, the actor’s team officially states that the book is handling everything. No secret construction, no short corners, and most definitely nothing unlawful.

Understanding that Mannat isn’t just any house is essential to understanding why this has grown to be such a big problem. Any changes must follow strict rules because the building is a Grade III heritage structure. The original structure was Home Vienna, a colonial-era home that Shah Rukh purchased in 2001.

Over time, a multi-story annex was added to the estate.

Now, here’s where things get complicated. Former IPS officer Y. P. Singh, supporting the activist’s claims, alleged that back in 2005, 12 small 1-BHK flats were approved on paper as part of the renovation. But instead of separate flats, they were allegedly merged into a single sprawling home for the Khan family. Singh called this a misuse of the Urban Land Ceiling Act and even suggested that officials may have turned a blind eye.

Essentially, the allegation is that what was supposed to be housing for multiple people became a luxurious private wing, which goes against the original approvals.

Santosh Daundkar, an activist, has now approached the National Green Tribunal with the issue at last, bringing the matter to a higher level. He has charged the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and Shah Rukh Khan with environmental law breach. Mannat is regulated by special coastal rules designed to conserve the environment due to its proximity to the sea.

The actor can face legal action if any of these are broken.

With all this renovation work going on, the Khan family has temporarily shifted out of Mannat. They’re currently staying in a luxurious apartment at Puja Casa in Bandra’s upscale Pali Hill area. The building is owned by film producer Vashu Bhagnani, and Shah Rukh’s family is reportedly occupying four entire floors during this period.

That means Mannat is currently under construction, locked and quiet—a rare sight for a home usually buzzing with activity.

This whole situation isn’t just about one house. It’s about how even the most famous names are expected to follow the same laws as everyone else. When you own a heritage structure in a high-profile coastal area, the rules are clear, whether you’re a Bollywood icon or not.

Even though Shah Rukh Khan’s team maintains that everything is legal and compliant, the official inspection report will probably be presented before the final decision is made. The arguments and conversations will go on both online and offline till then.

“The Bottom Line Mannat” by Shah Rukh Khan has deep emotional significance for both the actor and his followers. He has raised his kids there, achieved victories, and created a life that most others can only imagine.

So, naturally, any issue surrounding the property draws massive public interest.

For now, all eyes are on how the authorities handle the complaint and what the findings reveal. Whether it’s just a misunderstanding or something more, one thing is clear when it comes to Mannat: even a renovation becomes national news.