Bombay HC Warns BMC Over Bandra Football Ground Reservation Change
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) whether it was willing to keep in abeyance its decision to alter the reservation of the Neville D’Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation, warning that the issue involved the majesty of the court.
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing a petition filed by the Mumbai Football Association (MFA), which challenged the proposed change of reservation of the football ground from a playground to an exhibition and convention centre.
The court's intervention came a day after the BMC General Body approved the proposal, despite an assurance previously given to the court on August 10 that no decision would be taken until the next hearing.
Advocate Zal Andhyarjuna, appearing for the MFA, informed the bench that the statement made in open court was clear and had neither been disputed nor modified. He submitted that the civic body's action altered the situation despite the court's earlier directions.
The bench questioned BMC counsel Girish Godbole over the breach of the assurance, observing that the majesty of law was at stake. The judges noted that elected officials and authorities should not disregard the court, warning that the bench would initiate suo motu contempt proceedings unless the clock was turned back to August 10.
When the court suggested keeping the decision in abeyance, Godbole stated that the municipal commissioner could not unilaterally suspend a General Body resolution, but could place a proposal before the General Body seeking to put the resolution in abeyance. Godbole informed the bench that he would speak with the municipal commissioner regarding the matter.
