The São Paulo Court of Justice authorized, on Monday (12), the city hall of São Paulo to retake the land occupied by the Container Theater, in the Luz area in the city center. Judge Nandra Martins Da Silva Machado's decision ends the deadline given to the Munguzá Company to vacate the public space, occupied since 2016.
The São Paulo Court of Justice issued a ruling on Monday (January 12, 2026) recognizing that the São Paulo city hall can retake the land where the Container Theater operates, located in the Luz neighborhood in the city center. Judge Nandra Martins Da Silva Machado, in an official document, stated that the deadline for the Munguzá Company to vacate the public space, occupied by the theater group since 2016, has already expired.
"It is a fact that, with the end of the occupancy period granted by the Honorable Court of Justice, there is no obstacle preventing the municipality from retaking the property, as it is acting in accordance with its property rights," the judge wrote.
The disputes between the city hall and the company date back to May 2025, when the group was notified to vacate the area. According to the municipal administration, the land will be used for building social housing. The judge also noted that the company appears not to be mobilizing to leave, understanding the city hall's concern, but rejected a request that exceeded the scope of the proceedings.
"It should not be forgotten that the Court is fully aware that the plaintiff apparently is not mobilizing to leave the public property and understands the defendant's concern in retaking the asset, but despite the repercussion and importance of the case, the request made effectively exceeds the object of the proceedings."
In December 2025, residents of a condominium and other properties in the center sent a petition to Mayor Ricardo Nunes's (MDB) administration against the current theater installation project in the area, highlighting local tensions over the use of public space.
