The Federal Court of Brazil has annulled the auction of a nearly 7,000 square meter plot of land located in the prestigious area of Encosta da Vitória in Salvador. This significant judicial decision, made by Judge Marcel Peres, not only nullified the auction but also declared a specific provision of a municipal law regarding the sale of green areas unconstitutional for this particular case. This ruling was in response to legal action taken by the Council of Architecture and Urbanism of Bahia (CAU/BA) against the Municipality of Salvador, emphasizing the need to protect public green spaces from commercial exploitation.

Additionally, the court upheld a previous injunction that had already suspended the auction prior to its final decision. This is not an isolated incident, as there have been similar legal disputes in recent months concerning other green areas in Salvador, resulting in the suspension of several land auctions in parts of the city, including Morro do Ipiranga. Such rulings reflect a growing legal push against the commercialization of public lands, signaling a heightened awareness and activism regarding urban environmental issues in Bahia.

The broader context of this case involves the City Council of Salvador's controversial decision, reached at the end of 2023, to release 40 public properties for sale, among which were several green areas. This decision has faced backlash from various sectors of society, including environmental groups and urban planning advocates, who argue that urban green spaces are critical for maintaining ecological balance and enhancing quality of life in densely populated urban areas. As the legal situation unfolds, it raises important questions about public land governance and the prioritization of community interests over commercial development in Salvador and beyond.