Bombay HC orders FDA re-inspection of MCA eateries

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to conduct a fresh inspection of five eateries at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) premises, whose licences were suspended. The court issued the order while balancing the MCA’s claim of hygiene compliance against the FDA’s request for time to file a reply.

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to re-inspect five eateries operating on the premises of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The inspection is to determine if the suspended FSSAI licences of these establishments can be revoked.

The FDA had suspended the licences of Permit Room, Oriental Swing, Clubway & Pastry Counter, Mediterranean, and Pavillion following surprise inspections at the Sharad Pawar Indoor Cricket Academy and Recreational Centre in BKC.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad heard the MCA’s petition. Senior advocate Vikram Nankani, representing the MCA, argued that the premises are now over 98% compliant with hygiene norms. He contended that the licence suspension should not continue.

Additional Government pleader Priyabhushan Kakade, appearing for the FDA, sought time to file an affidavit-in-reply, stating the petitions were served late. He also noted that the MCA has the option to appeal the suspension order before the FDA Chief.

The Bench granted time to the FDA but observed that if the petitioners are currently compliant with hygiene standards, they cannot be prevented from operating until the FDA Commissioner decides on their appeal. Acting Chief Justice Ghuge pointed out to the FDA counsel that the MCA’s compliance claim should be acknowledged, but the authority could not leave them waiting for the appeal process to conclude.

To balance the interests, the court ordered the FDA to re-inspect the premises on Thursday afternoon. The inspection report, along with the FDA’s affidavit indicating the hygiene compliance status, must be submitted on Monday (August 24, 2026) morning.

For tournaments organised by the MCA in the interim, the bench ordered the petitioners to serve only tea and coffee to participants, and these beverages must be dispensed from vending machines. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on August 31.