FDA Restores Licenses of Mumbai Cricket Association Restaurants; Here's Why
Following intervention from the Bombay High Court, the Maharashtra FDA agreed to restore licenses for five Mumbai Cricket Association eateries. The court criticised the regulator's strict approach despite an 88 per cent compliance rate. The high court strongly criticised the state food regulator for taking a 'pedantic instead of pragmatic view' regarding operational technicalities.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to withdraw its suspension order and restore the licenses of five restaurants operating on the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises, following strong intervention and warnings from the Bombay High Court.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad vacated the suspension after reviewing a fresh FDA inspection report, reports PTI. The assessment confirmed that the eateries located in the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) area achieved an 88 percent compliance rate with food safety regulations. Bombay High Court Takes ‘Non-Vegetarian Tea’ Jibe at Mumbai Cricket Association Over Cockroach-Infested Kitchens.
Court Criticism and Legal Warning
The high court strongly criticised the state food regulator for taking a "pedantic instead of pragmatic view" regarding operational technicalities. Although the fresh inspection confirmed high compliance, the FDA initially maintained the suspension because the establishments were operated by M/s Shirke Infrastructure while the licenses remained registered under the MCA. Expressing frustration with the department's approach, the bench warned officials of potential contempt proceedings.
"However, despite clearly saying this, the FDA has disobeyed our order and taken a pedantic view instead of a pragmatic view. We are tired of scolding the department and officers all the time. It is now time to pass stinging orders. We will issue contempt action against the concerned officers. Let them convince us or go to jail," the court stated. The bench further questioned the regulatory body's tendencies, asking, "How many times should we try to convince and balance equities so that the department does not feel discouraged? Why do we say don't kill a mosquito with a sword? Do you feel you are a lord and you can do anything?" FDA Suspends 5 Mumbai Cricket Association Restaurant Licences, Action Also Taken at CCI.
Background and Resolution
The legal challenge began after the FDA suspended the food and beverage licenses on August 21 following an inspection that flagged hygiene concerns, including insect infestations. During earlier hearings, the court permitted the MCA to install automated coffee and tea vending machines to serve athletes while compliance issues were being addressed. Following the court's strict directives, Additional Government Pleader P.P. Kakade submitted that the FDA would formally withdraw the suspension. The regulator will instead issue a separate notice to the MCA to address contractual and licensing alignment under a proper legal framework, allowing the shuttered facilities to resume operations immediately.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2026 03:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
