Setback for Chandigarh Golf Club

Published>Fri, Mar 19 10 06:08 AM

In a major setback to the Chandigarh Golf Club, a local court has declared null and void the membership of around 400 green card holders, who were enrolled in 2005 allegedly in violation of the rules.

Brigadier (retd) Sukhdev Singh, a resident of Sector 33 had moved the court in 2006 against the action of the Golf Club, alleged that members who were ineligible were granted the green card membership by bypassing rules and regulations. It was averred that in utter violation of provisions, the management committee on September 17, 2005, had decided to grant a one-time exemption to the children of members who are above 21 years and have no knowledge of golf. The decision, however, lacked quorum, he alleged.

Refuting the allegations, counsel for the defendant club argued, "There was no strict rule in the byelaws, which says that the consent of three-fourth majority of members should be taken to grant one-time exemption."

The club had said, "The membership of the candidates was granted and rights of the plaintiff were not infringed."

While deciding in favour of Brig (retd) Singh , the court restrained the club from showing favoritism while granting membership so that chances of the plaintiff and others were not ignored.

The court said the club failed to place on record any amended rules and regulations on the basis of which they had given the membership. "The club has given the membership by showing favour to their near and dear ones, which is illegal and unlawful and in violation of the rules and cannot sustain in the eyes of law," said advocate Mohit Sarin.

"The management of the club had thrown the bylaws to the winds to benefit themselves and their friends at expenses of those members who have been waiting for years to get membership of the club," said Sukhdev Singh.

President of the golf club Barinder Gill said he is not aware of the order and will have to look into the matter.

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