Kerala’s only golf club ordered to shut shop
By IANSMonday, May 17, 2010
KOCHI - The Kerala High Court Monday asked Thiruvananthapuram’s golf club - the only one in the state - to vacate its premises within four weeks.
A division bench headed by Justice Pious Kuriakose upheld the verdict of the Trivandrum sub-court ruling that the state government can take over the premises of the club, which had violated rules and hence the notice from the principal secretary, revenue, to the club to vacate its premises was justified.
The club was charged with operating a bar on its premises and also making money by renting out its premises for parties.
Following the lower court’s verdict, film actors Suresh Gopi, Balachandran Menon and others had filed an appeal at the high court.
The premium club, situated on a 25-acre plot of prime property in the heart of the city, has leading politicians, top bureaucrats, police officials among its members.
The property was handed over to the club on a 99-year-lease in 1967.
Trouble started for the club in June 2008, when the revenue department issued the notice asking the club’s management to vacate the premises but it approached the court.
The club authorities are to meet shortly to decide the future course of action, including whether they should go on an appeal against the high court’s verdict.
