Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Catholic Gymkhana Faces Inquiry Over Alleged Lease Violations on Marine Drive
A popular club in Mumbai called the Catholic Gymkhana is in trouble.
The government is investigating it because they think the club broke the rules for using its land.
The rules say the land is mainly for sports, but officials claim the club is using it for other things and even added a new pickleball court without asking.
They also say the club didn't share all the information about having mobile phone towers on the property.
The club's lawyers say these accusations are not true.
They argue that pickleball is a sport and that they have followed all the rules.
They believe someone is making false complaints because they are unhappy or want the land for themselves.
The government previously took back the lease for a nearby club, so they are looking closely at this one.
Catholic Gymkhana on Marine Drive is under inquiry for alleged lease violations.
Accusations include using premises for non-sporting activities and unauthorized construction like a pickleball court.
The gymkhana is also accused of providing false information about mobile towers and renting out facilities to third parties.
The gymkhana denies the charges, claiming they are motivated by disgruntled former employees and challenging the allegations.
The inquiry follows the cancellation of the lease for the adjacent Wilson College Gymkhana.
- Who
- Catholic Gymkhana and Mumbai district authorities
- What
- An inquiry into alleged lease violations including unauthorized construction, non-sporting activities, and misinformation.
- When
- Notice issued in October; inquiry team appointed in July.
- Where
- Marine Drive, Mumbai
- Why
- Complaints of lease violations by the gymkhana, including using government land for unauthorized purposes and potentially causing revenue loss.
Allegations Against Catholic Gymkhana
Catholic Gymkhana's Defense
Non-Sporting Activities and Unauthorized Construction
Allegations Against Catholic Gymkhana
The gymkhana allegedly used premises for non-sporting activities, added a pickleball court on the terrace without permission, and carried out renovations in the permit room.
Catholic Gymkhana's Defense
The pickleball court was added due to member demand, as pickleball is a recognized sport. The netting around the ground was to prevent sports balls from leaving the venue.
Lease Agreement Violations and Misinformation
Allegations Against Catholic Gymkhana
Charges include disallowing online event bookings, restricting public access, breaching rules on caterer selection, providing incorrect information about mobile communication towers, and renting premises to third parties, causing revenue loss.
Catholic Gymkhana's Defense
The gymkhana denies these allegations, stating that former disgruntled caterers are behind the false complaints and that they have provided all necessary information, refuting claims of deliberately misleading the government.
Third-Party Agreements and Government Revenue
Allegations Against Catholic Gymkhana
The gymkhana entered into a turf management agreement with a company, granting exclusive rights to use government land, thereby allegedly creating third-party interest and nullifying the lease's purpose. They also failed to disclose mobile tower agreements from 2010.
Catholic Gymkhana's Defense
The gymkhana's legal representative claims these accusations are baseless and that they have responded to all charges. They are challenging the allegations and suggest the complainants have ulterior motives, possibly wanting the lease transferred to a political party.
- Establishment Year
- 1912
- Membership Count
- 6,000
- Location
- Marine Drive, Mumbai
- Issuing Authority for Notice
- District Collector and District Magistrate, Mumbai City
- Relevant Act
- Maharashtra Land Revenue Act, 1966
- Previous Similar Action
- Cancellation of adjacent Wilson College Gymkhana lease