Bangalore Golf Club’s MC issues stern warning to members for speaking to media

Bengaluru

The Management Committee of the prestigious Bangalore Golf Club (BGC) has issued a strong warning to its members, cautioning against activities that the management deems harmful to the club’s functioning and reputation.

In a formal notice issued on Friday, the club’s Honorary Secretary, S. K. Raghunandan, expressed concern over certain members engaging in actions “detrimental to the interests of the Club and disruptive to its smooth and harmonious functioning.” The notice came after some of the members anonymously spoke to the BLR.POST on various issues, including the notice issued by the PWD department for allegedly violating the lease conditions to carry out renovation works.

Also read: BLR Impact: Bangalore Golf Club issues clarification on construction works

The notice lists three specific issues: members making unauthorised and potentially misleading statements to the media, attempts by individuals to influence government officials for personal benefit, allegedly to block official sanctions and approvals, and spreading rumors that are causing discord among members.

Also read: Bangalore Golf Club Chairman summoned over club’s alleged financial irregularities

Labeling these actions as unacceptable, the Club has made it clear that any such behavior will be met with strict disciplinary measures, in line with Club rules. A member of the club has formally issued a gag order to the members, curtailing the freedom of speech. The club may be autonomous, but the management has no right to issue orders that curb the basic rights of the members. The members have every freedom to talk to the press.

The committee a few days back issued a clarification on alleged renovation of structure to its members following a media report. The PWD had issued notice to the BGC on the same. (Also read: Violation of lease conditions: PWD issues notice to Bangalore Golf Club for unauthorised construction )

It may be noted that Bangalore Golf Club, established in 1876, is one of the oldest golf clubs in India and is widely regarded for its exclusivity and elite membership.

Also read: IAS Manivannan intervenes in BGC dispute, calls for action against ‘whistleblower’ to be put on hold