Bombay High Court Orders Fresh FDA Inspection of MCA Outlets in BKC
The Bombay High Court has ordered a fresh FDA inspection of five Mumbai Cricket Association eateries in BKC after cockroaches, flies and poor hygiene were reported in their kitchens. The court asked MCA to clean the premises before Thursday’s inspection and allowed tea and coffee through vending machines, while reviewing the eateries’ licensing and operating arrangement.
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The Bombay High Court on Tuesday, August 25, directed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to carry out a fresh inspection of five eateries operating at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises in Bandra-Kurla Complex after their licences were suspended over alleged food safety and hygiene violations. The court also asked the MCA to clean the premises before the inspection and permitted tea and coffee to be served through vending machines in the interim.
The bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad was hearing petitions filed by the MCA challenging the FDA's decision, PTI reported. The regulator's inspection had reportedly found cockroaches and flies in the kitchens, along with dirty and slippery floors. The court said such findings could justify immediate suspension where there are "gross violations". FDA Suspends 5 Mumbai Cricket Association Restaurant Licences, Action Also Taken at CCI.
‘Non-Vegetarian Tea’ Remark
During the hearing, senior counsel Vikram Nankani, appearing for the MCA, said that with the eateries shut, the association could not even serve tea to cricketers playing at the ground.
Acting Chief Justice Ghuge responded with a light-hearted remark about the reported presence of insects in the kitchens. “There are flies and cockroaches in the restaurants’ kitchens. It is non-vegetarian tea. Do they (cricketers) know they are consuming this tea?" Maharashtra FDA Suspends Food License of Bombay Presidency Radio Club; Here's Why.
The court subsequently permitted the MCA to install vending machines to serve tea and coffee. According to the latest court reporting, meals will not be served at the affected premises until the issue is resolved.
FDA Action And MCA’s Challenge
The FDA had suspended the licences of five eateries at the MCA's BKC premises following its inspection. The MCA argued that the regulator should have first issued an improvement notice, allowing the operators an opportunity to correct the deficiencies.
The court, however, said an improvement notice was not necessary where inspectors had found serious hygiene violations.
“As per the FDA's inspection report, the eateries’ kitchen was infested with cockroaches and flies, and the floor was slippery and dirty. If there is a gross violation of hygiene standards, then the FDA can decide to suspend the license forthwith," the court said.
The FDA also told the court that the eateries were being operated by M/s Shirke Infrastructure, although the licences were issued in the MCA's name. The court asked the regulator to examine the contractual arrangement between the MCA and the private entity.
Court Praises FDA Action
The bench praised the FDA's enforcement efforts but said suspensions should not continue once an eatery has addressed the deficiencies.
“The entire state and its people were appreciating the FDA’s action, and the same needs to be carried out in future too. What the FDA is doing is laudable. But once a restaurant/eatery clears up the deficiencies, then the suspension order needs to be revoked immediately. It cannot be kept pending as the FDA’s objective has been achieved," it said.
The court further directed the FDA to “apply its mind" to the contract between the MCA and M/s Shirke Infrastructure. “If this contract is legally permissible, then the FDA shall apply its mind and take a pragmatic approach," the HC said.
Fresh Inspection On August 27
The MCA has been directed to complete cleaning of the affected premises before the FDA's fresh inspection on Thursday, August 27. The regulator is expected to assess whether the deficiencies have been addressed and submit its findings to the court.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing later this month. The fresh inspection will determine whether the suspended food licences can be considered for revocation after compliance is established.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2026 06:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
