Khar Gymkhana removes Jemimah Rodrigues over father's …

Wed Oct 23 09:12:06 UTC 2024: **Summary of the News Article:**

1. **Cancellation of Membership**: Khar Gymkhana, a historic club in Mumbai, has revoked the membership of cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues due to her father’s alleged use of club premises for religious activities.

2. **Objections from Members**: The decision followed complaints from some club members regarding Ivan Rodrigues, Jemimah’s father, reportedly holding numerous religious events at the club, including attempts to convert attendees.

3. **Honorary Membership**: Jemimah was granted an honorary three-year membership in 2023, which is now annulled. The usage of club facilities for alleged religious gatherings prompted the club to take action.

4. **Committee’s Stance**: Club committee member Shiv Malhotra stated that Ivan Rodrigues held around 35 meetings at the club, taking advantage of Jemimah’s honorary membership. He emphasized that hosting such events violated club rules, which prohibit religious activities.

5. **Political Motives Alleged**: Khar Gymkhana’s president, Vivek Devnani, claimed that the allegations against Jemimah’s father were politically motivated, especially with upcoming managing committee and trustee elections.

6. **Compliance with Regulations**: Devnani stressed that club facilities are available for personal events in line with regulations and denied any preferential treatment or discounts for Jemimah or her family.

7. **General Meeting Resolution**: The revocation of Jemimah’s membership was formalized through a resolution passed by members during a general meeting on October 20, 2024.

8. **Unanswered Calls**: Efforts to reach Jemimah’s parents for comments went unanswered, and her father is currently in Dubai.

9. **Club Bylaws Violation**: The gatherings allegedly included entertainment elements like dancing and music, further violating the club’s constitution, which prohibits religious activities.

These key points summarize the situation surrounding the cancellation of Jemimah Rodrigues’ membership at Khar Gymkhana amid controversy over her father’s activities.