Colonial clubs of India?

Vivek Jain and Viren Shah

Recently, the Bombay High Court greenlighted a three-member team comprising Gerard Shirley, Alan Mooleman and Anya Lehra to take over management of the prestigious Breach Candy Club. The club's constitution stipulates management by European inhabitants of the city.

For a few years now, the club has been embroiled in controversy, and while its internecine politics and financial wrangling and challenges were one aspect, a lot has to do with doing away with what are seen as "colonial-era" laws restricting or disallowing ‘Indian control' of the club. The "race row" or "colour bar" has always thrown its shadow over the space.

Some decry what they call discrimination and claim these archaic rules need to be sent cartwheeling out of the window. Others, though, are in favour of retaining these rules, saying that is the way the club's constitution has been framed. Another perspective in robust defence is that it is important to retain the essence and original aims of these spaces, so a European-only management is fair as this was started by Europeans.

Viren Shah, acting president, National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Worli, stated, "The Breach Candy Club had basically been started by the Europeans. Now, of course, things have changed. We need to look at the constitution of the club and how that can be changed to remove certain laws. In today's times, Indians should be on par in this premier club in the heart of South Mumbai. They, too, should have equal rights and a real voice in the club."

The essence

A prominent South Mumbai club member spoke on condition of anonymity. Several members refused to give their names, citing club norms that bar them from speaking to the media, and some admitted that there were no rules but feared club action or reprimand for speaking out. This member said, "The concept of clubs, a place to relax, unwind and play sport, was brought here by the Europeans. It was truly a recreational venue, and several South Mumbai clubs with their now-coveted memberships were started with that in mind. Over time, the character of clubs changed, and demand (for membership) outstripped supply. Today, most members do not play sport, and those who wish to play are not members of these elite clubs. These clubs have become power outposts with committee members desirous to cling to seats at any cost. Most expats are visitors here. They are not inclined to get into all these devious games. They are actually true to the ethos of these spaces, which is recreation. That is what the club constitution stipulates, so we must play by those rules."

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Rules apply

Yet another member stated upfront, specifically about the Breach Candy Club, "Do not make the Breach Candy management into a racial issue, since it is not." He claimed that when people apply for membership to the Breach Candy Club, "It is with full awareness about its rules. When we travel overseas, we see clubs like I have in Hong Kong that admit only Indians as members. We also have companies overseas being taken over by Indians. There is absolutely no colonial hangover at this club, and in fact, the club is an international community with all nationalities. In the end, we must remember that with reference to Breach Candy Club, there is the club constitution which has been approved in 1967 by the City Civil Court, allowing management by the European inhabitants of Mumbai."

This is precisely why rules like these need to change, stress many. The overriding sentiment from current and past committee members of different clubs, some with vast experience being elected to their chairs several times, is that changes to the constitution of clubs need to be brought about in a fair and proper manner. The club's constitution needs to be changed first and then, those who were barred can contest the polls. Follow due process, rather than trying to bulldoze one's way, or use underhand means to do so.

Ego driven

Vivek Jain, former chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) said, "I don't know the constitution of the Breach Candy Club and hence whether Europeans or Indians can run it will depend on their rules. However, in this day and age, it seems archaic to have this rule in place and it deserves to be amended." Jain admitted that many clubs have, "the aura of British times". "The turf club still carries the appendage of 'Royal', a legacy of the past. It lends an air of prestige, though whether or not justifiably," he said. An overarching view though, Jain said, is that, "More than racial, it is that mostly all clubs have become political battlegrounds in their committee elections, and are driven by egos and one-upmanship. Most prestigious clubs sadly have become elitist havens."

1967
Year Club's constitution was approved