Mumbai’s elite clubs must move with the times

The inevitable topic of debate is whether this rule—which states that the club be governed by an all-European management and is enshrined in the club’s constitution—should exist at all in today’s times

A prominent South Mumbai club has a European-only management rule, which has been brought back into focus after a recent Bombay High Court ruling about the managing committee. The club, membership to which is coveted, was started by Europeans.

The inevitable topic of debate is whether this rule—which states that the club be governed by an all-European management and is enshrined in the club’s constitution—should exist at all in today’s times.

The law seems outdated. Clubs need to start changing. While there are certain valid points, made by members and those who have held positions on committees in different clubs in the city, about clubs becoming power outposts and games being played by some to stay in power, we need to tackle these problems head-on and find suitable ways to resolve them.

Club constitutions need to adapt to the times. Years ago, several clubs had no independent membership for women. As time went by, they were forced to admit women, though some did so willingly. Recently we had a woman being elected to the top post of the hallowed Cricket Club of India, making history.

While ethos and essence may be important, change is the only constant anywhere and that goes for clubs too. Having established that, club constitutions need to change through the correct procedure.

One cannot cling to archaic norms, stating that transformation will ruin the institution. Then, it is that problem of the ‘new’ or ‘different’ that needs to be addressed rather than clinging on to a notion of the past or colonial diktat.

In the end, the elections must be open to all. It is not about European or Indian, man or woman. Candidates that fit the bill must have an avenue to contest, and may the best person win.

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