MUMBAI: Bombay high court will hear on Thursday a petition challenging BMC’s proposal to convert the Neville D’souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation into a convention centreThe matter was mentioned on Wednesday before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Akshay Doctor by senior advocate Zal Andhyarunjina, representing petitioner Mumbai Football Association, that BMC took the decision last evening despite an arrangement at the August 10 hearing that they would not take steps.“We did not seek a statement to be recorded but it was understood. Now the general body has taken a decision based on approval of the Improvement Committee,” said Andhyarujina.The judges then said they will hear the matter on Thursday. “If we feel any decision was taken which is not appropriate as per what transpired that day, we will be dealing with it,’’ the ACJ said.The Association’s petition stated the move to change the reservation of the playground will take away one of the city’s key football venues. The petition said BMC seeks to change the reservation from a playground/playfield and open space under the Revised Development Plan 2034 to a convention complex/exhibition centre, without disclosing planning material, hearing or consultation of stakeholders, user survey or feasibility assessment.No notice was issued to the Association which has used the playground for over 15 years under renewed permissions from Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority. Its July 31, 2025 application seeking continuation of permission is still pending, the petition stated.The Association urged HC to direct production of the complete recording to the proposed change and quashing of all consequential steps taken by the authorities. It has also sought direction to MHADA to decide its pending application through a reasoned order after granting it a hearing.Further, that pending hearing and final disposal of the petition, the Association sought interim protection restraining the authorities from altering the physical or functional character of the ground, removing its existing sporting infrastructure, or taking any steps towards tendering, allotment or construction at the site.At the August 10 hearing , BMC’s advocate informed that the general body’s sanction and a further procedure for inviting objections and suggestions would be required before a final decision is taken.Therefore the judges directed BMC to file its reply and adjourned the hearing to August 24. On Wednesday, they preponed the hearing to August 20 after learning that the general body approved the proposal to change the reservation.
