India, Feb. 9 -- A decades-old land rights dispute at Worli Koliwada reached a key milestone on Monday when, following a Bombay high court order, internal demarcation of the village land by the collector's office commenced. The exercise covers the entire property bearing survey number 224 of Worli village, and marks a significant step in a legal battle that began in 1973.

The demarcation, which began on February 2, is required to be completed by February 25 as directed by the court. Residents said that the process followed decades of litigation by original inhabitants and landholders seeking formal recognition of their land rights.

Community representatives told HT that the survey was expected to benefit 457 landholders at Worli Koliwad...