Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Bombay High Court Dismisses 40-Year Family Property Feud
A family in Mumbai has been fighting over a house for over 40 years.
The parents left wills that caused arguments among the six children.
The court recently said it won't change an earlier decision and told the family to try talking things out instead of fighting in court.
The judges said families should try to solve problems together, not just through lawyers.
They also said that even though people say 'the world is one family,' families often fight over money and property for a very long time.
The court hopes families will try to solve problems peacefully before going to court.
The Bombay High Court dismissed a 40-year-old property dispute among siblings in Mumbai.
The case involved conflicting wills executed by the parents, Sonny and Maria Coelho.
The court observed that family disputes over inheritance are increasing and causing long court battles.
The bench encouraged alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation to preserve family relationships.
The court emphasized that litigation should be a last resort in family matters.
- Who
- Myra Philomena Collaco and her siblings (George, Reginald, Victor, Neville)
- What
- A 40-year legal dispute over a residential property in Bandra, Mumbai
- When
- The case has been ongoing since 1971, with the latest dismissal on December 30, 2023
- Where
- Bandra, Mumbai, India, with the case heard in the Bombay High Court
- Why
- Dispute over inheritance and the validity of wills executed by their parents
- Case Duration
- Over 40 years
- Property Location
- Bandra, Mumbai
- Original Will Date
- August 1971
- Maria Coelho's Will Date
- July 1982
- Maria Coelho's Death
- November 1985
- Single Judge Verdict
- March 7, 2003
- High Court Dismissal
- December 30, 2023