The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Delhi Gymkhana Club to clearly explain within a week the process by which members are selected in the club. The court expressed displeasure over the documents filed by the club in response to the instructions given in the last hearing. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N. Kotishwar Singh's bench described the club's reply as a jumbled pile of documents. The bench said that the court had clearly sought information as to what is the process of granting membership for all categories in the club and how the fee structure has been decided for it. The bench directed the club to present clear and systematic information on both these points before the court in the next one week.
Court expressed displeasure over membership process
The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) to clearly explain within a week the process by which members are selected in the club. The court expressed displeasure over the documents filed by the club in response to the instructions given in the last hearing. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N. Kotishwar Singh's bench asked whether the court should continue to get entangled in the tangle of papers? The bench questioned whether the club understands the court's order in the same way. The court said that it is not satisfied with the affidavit filed by the club. In this, clear information should have been given about the process adopted for granting membership.
Short affidavit will be filed in a week
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the club, said that he would file a short affidavit with necessary information. The court said that it needs clear information as to what is the process of granting membership for all categories in the club and how the fee structure has been decided. The bench directed the club to put this information on record in a systematic manner within a week.
Instructions were also given on 24th August
In fact, on August 24, the Supreme Court had asked the club to bring on record the information regarding rules, applicable bye-laws and methods and procedures adopted for granting membership for all categories. This matter came to light during the hearing of the petition filed by Delhi resident Rajeev Suri. Issues related to the maintenance of heritage buildings have been raised in the petition. During this hearing, the matter of investigating the rules and procedure related to membership of Delhi Golf Club came up.
Reprimand on maintenance of 10 heritage buildings
This matter came to light during the hearing of the petition filed by Delhi resident Rajeev Suri. Issues related to the maintenance of heritage buildings have been raised in the petition. In previous hearings, the Supreme Court had pulled up Delhi Golf Club for not maintaining proper maintenance of 10 heritage buildings in and around its limits. These historical buildings include a mausoleum of the early Mughal period, the tomb of Mir Taqi, the tomb of Syed Abid, the Gateway and the Twelve Pillars of the Tughlaq period, among other old structures.
Court commissioners inspected the site
The Supreme Court had appointed senior advocate Gopal Shankaranarayanan along with advocates Nipun Saxena and Vishal Sinha as court commissioners. Court commissioners inspected the site. During inspection, it was found that many of the facilities inside the club were built very close to these historical buildings. The report also revealed that necessary steps were not taken to maintain the historical and cultural importance of these monuments.
Ban on activities within 100 meters around Lal Bungalow
'Lal Bungalow I' and 'Lal Bungalow II' located near the entrance of the club date back to 1779–80 AD and are centrally protected monuments under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Following the report of the court commissioners, the Supreme Court on May 27 had banned any activity in the restricted area of 100 meters around the two protected buildings. Apart from this, movement of people was also banned around other historical buildings. The club had told the court that the work of restoration of these monuments has been entrusted to the Aga Khan Trust. However, in July the bench reviewed the repair work done by the Trust and took exception to the lime plaster done on the buildings. According to the court, the intricate carvings and designs on the monuments were covered with this plaster.
Report of 1100 heritage sites also presented in court
In February this year, petitioner Rajeev Suri had presented a 2021 report before the court, which contained details of 1,100 notified heritage sites in Delhi. On the basis of this, the Supreme Court had sought answers from ASI, Delhi Government, MCD and NDMC and asked them to take necessary steps to restore the old condition of these heritage sites. On Suri's initiative, a monument from the Lodhi period was also restored in Defense Colony. After this, the Archeology Department of Delhi Government declared it a protected monument.
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