HC Stays BMC Attempt to Take Over YMCA Facility at Jhoola Maidan in Mumbai Central
The Bombay High Court has stayed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) move to take possession of a gymnasium, quarters, and an akhada run by the Bombay Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) at Willingdon Ground, popularly known as Jhoola Maidan, in Mumbai Central. A bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata passed the interim order on August 12, 2026, while hearing a petition filed by the YMCA challenging the eviction notices issued by the civic body.
The court stayed the operation of the BMC notices and restrained the civic body and its officers from taking any coercive steps or dispossessing the association from the premises until further orders.
Appearing for the YMCA, Advocate Joel Carlos argued that the civic body’s move to take possession was arbitrary and executed without following due process of law. He submitted that the association had consistently maintained the premises and had undertaken necessary structural repairs based on independent audit reports.
According to the petition, the YMCA has been managing sports and community activities at Willingdon Ground since 1928, providing facilities to local youth and underprivileged sections of society. The association further stated that the gymnasium and quarters were constructed pursuant to valid Intimation of Disapproval (IOD) and Commencement Certificates issued by the BMC in 1964.
The dispute originally arose after the civic body issued a notice in March questioning the YMCA’s occupation of the premises and alleging that the structures were not properly maintained. The YMCA responded to the notice and submitted structural audit reports demonstrating that the building was structurally sound.
However, in July, the civic body issued a subsequent communication directing the YMCA to hand over possession within seven days. The matter escalated when BMC officials, accompanied by police personnel, visited the Mumbai Central premises to execute a forcible takeover.
The YMCA contended in its plea that the civic body failed to provide a hearing before issuing the eviction order, violating the principles of natural justice and forcing the association to seek urgent relief from the court.
