Date:01/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/01/stories/2008060161050100.htm

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Eviction notice served on Golf Club in capital

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The District Collector on Saturday night issued a summary eviction notice to the Golf Club, here, that was taken over by the State government earlier in the day.

The notice — as per Section 13(a) of the Kerala Land Conservancy Act — was served to the Club’s secretary at 9 p.m. by Revenue Divisional Officer K. Ramachandran. The notice gives the club 24 hours to vacate the 25.38 acres of land at Kowdiar that it occupies now.

“After 9 p.m. on Sunday, the Club can be sealed at any time by the Revenue authorities,” Collector Sanjay M. Kaul said. The notice was served after the government issued a GO taking over the Club and asked the Collector to ‘resume’ the Club’s land, he added. The decision to take over the club was announced by the Chief Minister at his press briefing after the Cabinet meeting on Saturday.

There are unconfirmed reports that the Club would be handed over to the Department of Culture. “It (the handing over) is being discussed,” Minister for Culture M.A. Baby told The Hindu here on Saturday.

According to Revenue records, there are 78 institutions in the district that have ‘lease arrears.’ Of these, more than 70, are in the city. While the Sree Mulam Club (SMC) owes the government Rs.2.25 crore, the Trivandrum Tennis Club owes Rs. 2.34 crore. The Mannam Memorial National Club owes Rs.2.52 crore while the YMCA owes Rs.2.13 crore and the Women’s Club, Rs.81.06 lakh.