Set up back in 1868, the Club stands on prime real estate on Residency Road in the heart of Bengaluru.
It hasn't been the best of times for the Bangalore Club, after the non-renewal of their liquor license, revenue authorities have now told the club management, that it does not have proper documents to prove ownership of their land. The Club has been asked to hand over the property documents to the revenue department.
The Club says it has submitted the required documents, but it would not like to comment further on the issue. They have approached the High Court over it, and the matter is sub-judice. The Club submission says, "We wish to inform that we have been in possession of this land since 148 years and the ownership title is clear to prove the ownership of Bangalore Club over the 13 acres."
Set up in 1868, the Club stands on prime real estate on Residency Road in the heart of Bengaluru's Central Business District.
The Club has now found support from the state government which has tried to reassure members.
Karnataka's law minister, TB Jayachandra told NDTV, "Bangalore Club I know it, it is one of the prestigious clubs in Bangalore and it is an asset to Bangalore also... We have no interest in interfering in their affairs. A confusion has arisen, why has it arisen, let me go through the records and come back to you."
The question over ownership is not the only hiccup the club has faced in the recent past. In November last year, a senior police officer and member of the club, RP Sharma, was not allowed to take a short cut through the Club from one key road to another. He is alleged to have been involved in a scuffle with the security guard who tried to stop him.
Several members feel that it was no coincidence that shortly after the incident the Club was investigated by several government agencies. Last month, the excise department did not renew the liquor license of the Club, leading to fewer members dropping in to the premises of this Colonial-era meeting place.
Such is the charm of the club that people aspiring for membership are willing to wait for years, dress codes are still in place - and in some areas, men are not allowed without jackets and shoes. It also proudly possesses an unpaid bill of a certain Winston Churchill. The membership of the club is largely restricted to that cliche' - the who's who of the city.