HC Advances Hearing on Bandra Football Ground Conversion to Exhibition Centre
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday advanced the hearing of a petition challenging the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to change the reservation of Neville D’Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation from a playground to an exhibition centre. The court noted that it would deal with the civic body's move if it found the action went against earlier court proceedings.
The matter was brought before a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad by the Mumbai Football Association (MFA). Following the submission, the court preponed the hearing, which had originally been scheduled for August 24, to Thursday.
Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina, representing the MFA, told the bench that the BMC General Body had approved the proposal despite an assurance that no steps would be taken prior to the next scheduled date. He stated that while the understanding during an August 10 hearing was not formally recorded, the civic body had orally assured the court that proper procedures—including inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders—would be followed.
Justice Ghuge observed that if the court determined that any decision was taken inappropriately in light of what transpired during the previous hearing, the bench would address it.
The MFA is challenging a November 2025 communication from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) and a May 2026 recommendation of the BMC Improvements Committee. The proposal seeks to modify the reservation of the 8,450-square-metre plot under Section 37(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act.
In its plea, the football body stated that it was denied an opportunity to be heard before the decision was made. The association highlighted that the Bandra facility features FIFA-standard artificial turf, seating capacity for around 5,000 spectators, and hosts more than 900 official matches every season.
According to the MFA, the ground is utilized by nearly 400 youth clubs, 300 senior teams, and over 10,000 players. The petition also noted that the authorities did not carry out any sports impact assessment, user survey, or feasibility study before initiating the reservation change.
MHADA has previously stated that the parcel of land was originally planned and earmarked for a convention complex.
