Bombay HC Asks BMC To Respond To Mumbai Football Association Plea Against Bandra’s Neville D’Souza Ground Conversion

On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Bombay High Court issued a directive to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to respond to a legal challenge brought forth by the Mumbai Football Association (MFA) regarding the proposed conversion of Bandra’s Neville D'Souza Football Ground. The MFA argued that the BMC had failed to provide them with a chance to be heard. The court also permitted the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), a party to the case, to submit its reply later.

Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina, representing the MFA, claimed that the process adhered to natural justice principles. He emphasized that the MFA, which has been managing and maintaining the ground for over 15 years, should be granted an opportunity to voice their concerns before any decision is made. The court scheduled the matter for a hearing on August 24 at 3 pm, and directed the BMC to file its affidavit by August 20. In the meantime, the plea was set for hearing on August 24.

The MFA challenged a letter from MHADA dated November 3, 2025, alongside a recommendation from the BMC's Improvements Committee made in May 2026. The proposed alteration seeks to change the ground's reservation from a playground and open space under Section 37(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act to a convention or exhibition center.

The MFA described the ground as a crucial part of Mumbai's football ecosystem. It boasts FIFA-standard artificial turf and can accommodate approximately 5,000 spectators, with over 900 official matches held there each season. The MFA stated that the ground is used intensively by nearly 400 youth clubs, 300 senior teams, and over 10,000 players.

The association highlighted that the loss of the ground would negatively impact clubs, players, coaches, leagues, and community programs.

Furthermore, the MFA contended that authorities had not conducted a sports impact assessment, user survey, feasibility study, or explored alternative sites prior to proposing the conversion. They challenged the necessity for an additional convention facility, pointing to several existing venues nearby, such as the Jio World Convention Centre, St Andrew's Auditorium, and MMRDA Exhibition Grounds.