The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra FDA to lift suspension orders on five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association's BKC facility. Following a court-mandated inspection showing 88% compliance with food safety norms, the eateries can resume operations immediately. However, authorities will continue to review separate licensing disputes involving the venue's third-party operator.
The Bombay High Court has intervened in a dispute between the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), ordering the regulator to immediately lift suspension orders against five eateries located at the association's Bandra-Kurla Complex facility. The decision follows a legal challenge by the MCA after the FDA had shuttered these establishments on August 20, 2026, citing hygiene and safety violations.
Court Criticism of Regulatory Approach
A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad expressed strong dissatisfaction with the FDA's enforcement methods. During the proceedings, the court questioned whether the regulator’s decision to impose blanket closures was a necessary step, famously suggesting that officials should avoid using excessive force for minor compliance issues.
Following the court's directive, a fresh, independent inspection was conducted on August 27, 2026. This assessment confirmed that the outlets—which include the Permit Room, Pavilion, Mediterranean, Oriental Swing, and Clubway & Pastry Counter—achieved an 88 percent compliance rate with state food safety protocols. Satisfied with the improvement, the court ordered the immediate resumption of business for these establishments.
Administrative and Licensing Hurdles
While the food safety suspension has been lifted, the legal dispute regarding the venue's administration is not entirely over. The FDA had initially flagged discrepancies related to the third-party operator, M/s Shirke Infrastructure, which manages the food services at the complex.
The court has allowed the administration to continue its inquiry into these specific contractual and licensing matters. The regulator is expected to issue a fresh notice to the MCA to conduct a formal hearing on the contract, keeping the administrative review separate from the immediate issue of food safety operations.
Wider Regulatory Crackdown in Maharashtra
This incident is part of a larger, ongoing regulatory campaign by the Maharashtra FDA aimed at tightening safety standards across the region. Recent data indicates that authorities have conducted 25 raids on food establishments across the state, resulting in 33 improvement notices and the suspension of licenses for 11 different entities. For business operators in the food and hospitality sector, this trend highlights the importance of maintaining strict documentation and hygiene compliance, as regulators are increasingly focusing on third-party operator agreements and on-site food handling practices. The MCA case serves as a notable example of how courts may intervene when they perceive enforcement actions to be overly rigid rather than focused on practical safety solutions.