MUMBAI: Bombay high court on Thursday directed BMC to refrain from taking further steps on the proposal to change the reservation of Neville D’souza Football Ground “till the further hearing.” On Tuesday evening, BMC’s general body passed a resolution approving a change of reservation from a playground to a convention and exhibition centre.Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad passed the direction after it was informed by senior advocate Girish Godbole, for BMC, that he had a discussion with the commissioner on whether she could send a proposal to the general body to recall the order for the time being.He said the commissioner was not apprised about developments at the August 10 hearing. “The commissioner did not know what transpired in court. The commissioner’s problem is she cannot now ask the general body to suspend or recall the resolution. General body is supreme,’’ he said.Godbole also said there are further six steps to be taken before the reservation is changed.The court was hearing a petition filed by Mumbai Football Association (MFA) challenging the Improvement Committee’s May 2026 proposal to change the reservation.On August 10 BMC’s advocate made an oral statement that no steps shall be taken on the proposal till the next date. Hence, HC directed BMC to file its reply and adjourned the hearing to August 24.On Wednesday, MFA’s advocates rushed to the High Court seeking an urgent hearing and informing on Tuesday evening BMC’s general body approved the change of reservation proposal. The bench then preponed the hearing to Thursday.Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina, with advocates including Akshay Doctor and Ranjit Carvalho submitted that “the situation is slightly worse.”He said before the general body, the writ petition was specifically mentioned and a question was posed if there is a stay in the matter.“The answer was no. Therefore they said we will go ahead,” said Andhyarujina. He said the proceedings in court were not brought to the notice of the general body.Senior advocate Milind Sathe, for MHADA, said the plot was reserved for a convention centre from 1983 to 2023. In 2023, the development plan was sanctioned in which it was reserved partly for garden and for school and an old age home.He said MHADA had sent a request to BMC to “reinstate the convention centre.”The judges pointed out that on August 10, BMC had asked for an adjournment, adding; “the party which seeks adjournment does not precipitate matters.”The judges said the issue is also that “the majesty of law is at stake.”“If elected people or authorities are going to jeer at the courts, it is something bad. So we are going to do something suo motu, unless you turn back the clock to August 10,” said Justice Ghuge.Godbole then said he would speak to the municipal commissioner regarding sending a proposal to the General Body to recall the resolution. “You (BMC) can keep it in abeyance,” added Justice Ghuge.In the order the judges noted that on Aug 10 and upon BMC’s assurance, the petitioners’ advocates “the same day” sent a letter to the BMC Law Department.They said they were concerned about BMC’s statement made in court. “The petitioners trusted the statement” and “it is unfortunate that the statement was not communicated to the authorities.”They issued notices to the respondents and adjourned the hearing on September 18.While parting with the matter, Justice Ghuge asked, “You tell us where people will play football now? Some spaces have to be kept open, otherwise the next generation will forget maidani khel (outdoor sports) and the grounds.”
