For residents of Mumbai’s western suburbs, the first question in any legal matter is often the simplest: which court is it in? A criminal case, a divorce, a tenancy dispute and a consumer complaint each go to a different forum, often in a different part of the city. This guide is a starting map for residents of Malad, Malwani, Kandivali, Goregaon, Borivali and nearby areas.
Jurisdiction can depend on the details of a case, so treat this as a guide and check the specific case.
Quick map
| Your matter | Usual forum |
|---|---|
| A criminal case or complaint from a police station in Malad, Malwani, Kurar, Dindoshi, Bangur Nagar, Kandivali, Charkop or Goregaon | Metropolitan Magistrates’ courts at Borivali, as allotted to each police station. Some categories, such as many cheque bounce (Section 138) cases and municipal prosecutions, are allotted to other centres, such as Bandra, Andheri or Vile Parle |
| Serious offences tried by a Sessions Court, bail and anticipatory bail at the sessions level | City Civil and Sessions Court, Dindoshi (Borivali Division), Malad (East) |
| Civil suits: property, injunctions, money recovery | City Civil Court (including its Dindoshi branch for suburban matters), within its monetary limits; higher-value suits go to the Bombay High Court |
| Divorce, custody, maintenance, and other family disputes | Family Court, Mumbai, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) |
| Domestic violence cases under the DV Act | Metropolitan Magistrate where the woman lives, works or the incident took place |
| Rent and tenancy disputes; many leave and licence suits | Court of Small Causes: main court on L.T. Marg and a branch at Bandra; some licensee evictions go to the Competent Authority under the Maharashtra Rent Control Act |
| Consumer complaints | District Consumer Commission, Mumbai Suburban, Administrative Building, 3rd Floor, near Chetana College, Bandra (East) |
| Builder disputes under RERA | MahaRERA, Bandra Kurla Complex |
| Public trusts | Charity Commissioner’s office, Worli. See which Charity Commissioner office |
| Housing society disputes | Co-operative Court or the Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies |
Criminal matters
- An FIR is registered at the police station with jurisdiction over the place of the offence; the case then goes to the Magistrate’s court allotted to that police station. See if the police refuse an FIR.
- Bail is applied for first before the Magistrate, or the Sessions Court for serious offences. Anticipatory bail goes to the Sessions Court or High Court. See anticipatory bail.
- Cheque bounce complaints under Section 138 have their own rules on which court hears them. See cheque bounce deadlines.
Family matters
The Family Court at Bandra Kurla Complex hears divorce, judicial separation, custody and guardianship, and maintenance cases for Mumbai, including maintenance under the BNSS. See child custody in Mumbai.
Tenancy and leave and licence
Disputes between landlords and tenants generally go to the Court of Small Causes. For leave and licence agreements, a licensor seeking eviction after the licence period can also use the summary procedure before the Competent Authority. See leave and licence disputes.
How to check where your case is
- Search eCourts services (services.ecourts.gov.in) by the case number, party name or the 16-character CNR number. The listing shows the court, the judge and the next date.
- Police papers, summons and notices name the court.
- The court’s cause list for the day shows the courtroom.
Frequently asked questions
I live in Malad. Does my divorce case go to Dindoshi?
No. Divorce and other family cases go to the Family Court at Bandra Kurla Complex.
Can I file a consumer complaint online?
Yes, through the e-Jagriti portal. See consumer complaints in Mumbai.
How do I get a certified copy of an order?
See certified copies of court orders in Mumbai.
See also: legal information for Malad residents.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide is general information as understood in October 2026. Court allocations and addresses can change, and jurisdiction depends on the facts of each case. It is not legal advice.