The Bombay High Court has restrained the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from taking any further steps pursuant to its proposal to convert the historic Neville D'Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation into a convention and exhibition centre.

The matter was heard by a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice R.V. Ghuge and Justice G. Ankhad on a writ petition filed by the Mumbai Football Association (MFA), challenging the proposed change in reservation of the football ground.

The controversy arose after the BMC proposed changing the reservation of the ground from a playground to a convention and exhibition centre. The MFA approached the Bombay High Court on August 6, 2026, seeking urgent intervention.

At an earlier hearing on August 10, the BMC's counsel had made a statement before the Court that no further steps would be taken in relation to the proposal pending the next hearing.

However, according to the MFA, the BMC subsequently proceeded with the proposal and obtained approval from its General Body on August 18, despite the assurance recorded before the Court.

During the latest hearing, Senior Counsel Zal Andhyarujina, appearing for the MFA, brought the BMC's subsequent action to the Court's attention and questioned how the decision could have been taken despite the assurance given to the Court.

Senior Counsel Girish Godbole, appearing for the BMC, submitted that the Municipal Commissioner and concerned officials were unaware of the assurance made before the Court.

The Bench expressed strong displeasure over the development and observed that “the majesty of law is at stake.” The Court consequently restrained the BMC from taking any further steps pursuant to the proposal and directed it to file its Affidavit in Reply.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 18, 2026.

Senior Advocate Milind Sathe appeared for MHADA.

MFA Represented Pro Bono by Desai & Diwanji

The Mumbai Football Association is being represented on a pro bono basis by law firm Desai & Diwanji. The legal team comprises Senior Partner Anoj Menon, Partner Pradeep Mane and Associate Aradhana More.

Senior Counsel Zal Andhyarujina is leading the arguments, assisted by Advocates Akshay Doctor, Ranjeev Carvalho and Serena Jethmalani.

The legal team has been representing the MFA since the inception of the proceedings and is challenging the proposed conversion of the ground, which is regarded as an important football facility and part of Mumbai's footballing heritage.

The petition was urgently mentioned on August 6 following the BMC's proposal. At the August 10 hearing, the Court took note of the urgency and the BMC's assurance that no further steps would be taken pending the next hearing.

The latest order restraining further action by the BMC will keep the proposed conversion of the Neville D'Souza Football Ground on hold, pending further proceedings before the Bombay High Court.