Mumbai Collector Orders Eviction of ‘Illegal Occupants’ from Bandstand Bungalow
The Mumbai Suburban collector has directed the anti-encroachment department to remove alleged encroachers from Marina Manor, a prime property worth around ₹600 crore. Legal actions are also underway to address fraudulent transactions and usurpation of the property.
MumbaiBandstandMarina ManorEvictionFraudReal Estate MumbaiAug 31, 2025
On August 28, the Mumbai Suburban collector directed the anti-encroachment department to remove the alleged encroachers from the bungalow, a prime property worth around ₹600 crore. Alongside, a metropolitan magistrate court in Bandra issued instructions to the deputy commissioner of police concerned to register an FIR against one of the fake owners for suspected fraudulent transactions. The steps come amid continuing litigation over the ownership of the premises.
In related proceedings, the metropolitan magistrate court on August 28 issued a non-bailable warrant against an accused after he failed to honor the summons issued to him by the court. The warrant was issued pursuant to a plea filed by Thane-based activist Melwyn Fernandes through advocate Sunita Banis. In his complaint, Fernandes alleged that the accused persons had tried to usurp the property by using a forged will, and sought to prosecute them for cheating and forgery.
The complainant’s counsel sought the issuance of a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against accused No 7, Dr Ajay P Keni. The court allowed the application and passed an order directing that an NBW be issued against him. It also permitted the trial to proceed against Accused No 1 (Marina Manuel Fernandes), Accused No 2 (Remy Fernandes), Accused No 5 (Mohit Sunil Shah), and Accused No 7 (Dr Ajay P Keni). The court has adjourned the matter for arguments, fixing November 24 as the next hearing date, with the purpose recorded as “appearance of accused”.
The 2,538-sq-m property on which Marina Manor stands was originally owned by Martha Eugenie Pereira. According to the complaint, Pereira left the property to her niece, Marie Fernandes, as the sole trustee and executrix in her will executed on December 4, 1972. The will was probated by Marie Fernandes in 1987.
Pereira had left 919 sq m of the land to Marie Fernandes (who gave it to Samudra Builders for construction) while the other 1,619 sq m, along with Marine Manor bungalow, was bequeathed to the Archdiocese of Bombay. The property was meant to be used to build an educational institution in memory of Martha Pereira’s husband, Joseph Felix Pereira. Before her death in 2015, Fernandes executed the will on March 15, 2012, in favor of her cousin Marion Crasto, now 72.
According to the complaint, the main accused Marina Fernandes and six others prepared an allegedly false will dated November 8, 2014, which bore the forged signature of the deceased Marie Fernandes. This was probated on November 16, 2017 based on false and misleading information given to the high court, the complaint said. Justice Arif S Doctor of the Bombay high court had in February 2023 stayed the execution of this will after Marion Crasto objected to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marina Manor and where is it located?
Marina Manor is a bungalow located at Bandstand in Bandra, Mumbai. It sits on a 2,538-sq-m property and is currently the subject of a legal dispute over its ownership and occupation.
Who originally owned Marina Manor?
The property was originally owned by Martha Eugenie Pereira, who left it to her niece, Marie Fernandes, as the sole trustee and executrix in her will executed on December 4, 1972.
What actions have been taken against the alleged encroachers?
The Mumbai Suburban collector has directed the anti-encroachment department to remove the alleged encroachers from the bungalow. Additionally, a metropolitan magistrate court in Bandra has issued instructions to register an FIR against one of the fake owners for suspected fraudulent transactions.
What is the current status of the legal proceedings?
The metropolitan magistrate court has issued a non-bailable warrant against an accused who failed to honor the summons. The court has also permitted the trial to proceed against several accused and adjourned the matter for the next hearing on November 24.
What was the purpose of the property according to the original will?
According to the original will, 919 sq m of the land was given to Samudra Builders for construction, while the other 1,619 sq m, along with the Marine Manor bungalow, was bequeathed to the Archdiocese of Bombay to build an educational institution in memory of Martha Pereira’s husband, Joseph Felix Pereira.
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