Football Fraternity Moves Bombay HC Over Bandra Turf Reservation Change

Mumbai’s football fraternity has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a decision by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to change the reservation of Bandra’s Neville D’Souza Football Turf from a playground to a convention centre.

The civic body took the decision on Tuesday night to alter the land use reservation for the sports venue in Bandra West. The legal challenge brought by football stakeholders and local sports representatives is scheduled to come up for a hearing before the Bombay High Court today.

The move by the civic administration has drawn sharp criticism from sports enthusiasts, players, and local residents across Bandra. Citizens and players have also staged protests at the Neville D’Souza ground to register their opposition to the proposed change in reservation.

The Neville D’Souza ground is currently the only remaining full-sized sports ground available for footballers in the area. The facility is regularly utilised for training and matches by several national-level and state-level footballers, alongside grassroots sports participants.

Local residents have expressed deep concern over the potential loss of the open sports space. Bandra resident Alan Abraham pointed out the widespread community use of the facility, stating that his children play at the ground and noting that several other sports beyond football are also actively practised at the venue.

The football fraternity is now seeking judicial intervention through the Bombay High Court to halt the BMC's proposed conversion and retain the ground's status as a designated playground.