Mumbai: Crores-Worth Tribal Land Dispute in Goregaon, Family Alleges Illegal Takeover by Developer
Mumbai, 29th August 2026: A dispute over approximately 4.5 acres of prime tribal land in Mumbai’s Goregaon-Malad area has intensified, with members of the Nadge family alleging that their ancestral property was illegally acquired and developed despite legal protections governing the transfer of tribal land.
The land, located near Film City Road, is estimated to be worth crores of rupees. However, members of the tribal family, who claim ownership of the property, allegedly continue to live in difficult financial conditions while a private developer has constructed buildings on the disputed land.
The Nadge family has levelled serious allegations against partners of Jyoti Builders and Developers, claiming that the property belonging to Tulshibai Rama Nadge and her heirs was acquired through an alleged conspiracy and questionable transactions.
Under Sections 36 and 36A of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, the transfer of land belonging to members of Scheduled Tribes is subject to strict restrictions and generally requires prior permission from competent authorities.
According to the family’s allegations, a purported 999-year lease agreement executed in 1986 was used to gain control over the land. The family has questioned the legality of the transaction and subsequent development carried out on the property.
The dispute also reached the Bombay High Court after questions were raised regarding the tribal status of the Nadge family members.
Following directions from the court, the Scheduled Tribe Certificate Scrutiny Committee examined relevant documents, records and traditional practices of the family. The committee reportedly confirmed that Raju Rama Nadge, Santosh Rama Nadge and Umesh Laxman Nadge belong to the Warli Scheduled Tribe.
In 2025, Additional Divisional Commissioner of the Konkan Division, Vikas Maruti Pansare, reportedly directed that the land be restored in the names of the Nadge family and that entries under Sections 36 and 36A be reinstated in the land records. Directions were also issued to the Borivali Tehsildar regarding restoration of possession to the original owners.
However, the matter remained embroiled in litigation after the developer challenged the proceedings before the High Court. The court temporarily stayed the implementation of the Additional Commissioner’s order and directed the caste scrutiny committee to submit its findings.
The committee subsequently submitted its report confirming the Scheduled Tribe status of the concerned Nadge family members. The legal battle, however, has continued, with further challenges reportedly being made against the findings.
The Nadge family has alleged that despite favourable findings from revenue authorities and the caste scrutiny process, they are still being forced to fight prolonged legal battles to reclaim their ancestral land.
The family has also raised concerns over alleged attempts to make changes in land records despite orders passed by revenue authorities. These allegations have intensified calls for authorities to examine the entire transaction and determine whether any violations of laws protecting tribal land have taken place.
The case highlights a larger concern surrounding the protection of tribal land rights in rapidly urbanising regions such as Mumbai, where ancestral properties have seen a dramatic rise in market value.
As the dispute continues before the courts and concerned authorities, the Nadge family’s fight remains centred on one question: whether they will eventually regain possession of their ancestral land and receive the legal protection guaranteed to members of Scheduled Tribes under Maharashtra’s land laws.
The allegations mentioned in the case are subject to judicial proceedings and responses from the concerned parties.
