BMC Moves To Cancel NSCI's Worli Lease

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed cancellation of the National Sports Club of India's (NSCI) lease for its Worli premises. This decision comes after the club allegedly violated lease conditions by hosting a large number of non-sporting events without obtaining prior civic permission.

The BMC issued a show-cause notice to the NSCI secretary on August 17, 2026, citing an alleged breach of Condition No. 15 of the lease agreement dated May 11, 1993. This condition requires the club to obtain prior permission from the Municipal Commissioner if the stadium premises are used for activities other than sports.

According to the BMC notice, NSCI had submitted details of 207 events held between 2020 and 2025, of which 194, or around 93.71 per cent, were non-sporting events. The civic body had previously issued a show-cause notice to the club on October 20, 2025. However, after examining NSCI's reply submitted on November 6, 2025, the BMC said the explanation was 'unsatisfactory'.

The BMC has also flagged events held this year. Between April 29 and July 29, 2026, the NSCI reportedly provided details of 68 events organised at the Stadium, Palace Hall and Maharaja Hall. The BMC claimed that 66 of these events, or approximately 97.05%, were non-sporting activities and were allegedly conducted without the required permission.

The development has caused concern among NSCI members, who are seeking clarity from the management over the alleged lease violations and the action taken after the earlier notice. Maharashtra Govt has also ordered a high-level probe into alleged NSCI irregularities, with FIRs to follow the inquiry report.

Questions have been raised over the club's legal and financial exposure, whether an independent legal opinion has been obtained, and who has been authorised to represent NSCI before the civic body. NSCI member and lawyer Hariom Gupta questioned why the dispute had reached the stage of proposed lease cancellation and sought details of the management's response to the BMC.

The NSCI management now faces the task of responding to the latest notice within the stipulated period and explaining how it intends to address the alleged violations and protect the club's lease. The club's members are worried about the potential consequences of the lease cancellation, including the impact on the club's activities and the future of the premises.

The BMC's decision to propose lease cancellation is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the civic body and the NSCI. The club's management will need to take urgent action to address the alleged violations and prevent the cancellation of the lease. The outcome of this dispute will have important implications for the NSCI and its members, as well as for the use of the premises in the future.

The proposed lease cancellation is also a reminder of the importance of complying with lease conditions and obtaining necessary permissions for non-sporting events. The BMC's actions demonstrate the civic body's commitment to enforcing the terms of the lease agreement and ensuring that the premises are used in accordance with the agreed-upon purposes.

In conclusion, the NSCI is facing a significant challenge in the form of the proposed lease cancellation. The club's management will need to take prompt action to address the alleged violations and prevent the cancellation of the lease. The outcome of this dispute will have important implications for the NSCI, its members, and the use of the premises in the future.