CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) has changed a two-decade-old law that barred professional golfers, who are its permanent members, from contesting management elections.
As per Rule 45(H) of the CGC’s constitution, permanent members, who turn professionals, were not allowed to contest the elections, Tribune India reports. At CGC’s annual general meeting, held recently, the rule was rescinded, and so professionals can now contest elections. Permanent members can contest elections for a regular term of five years.
“The management has revoked the rule. A unanimous decision was taken by House for the development of the club. Professionals, who are permanent members and fulfil other criteria, can contest the elections. Earlier, they were only allowed to vote,” Dr GS Kochhar, vice-president and chairman (media and publicity), CGC, told Tribune India.
It bears noting that the change that has been brought about is the outcome of years of legal challenges pushed by professionals like Jeev Milkha Singh, Gursimran Sethi and Harmeet Kahlon. A few years ago, a PIL signed by these professionals was moved in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, demanding that the rule be quashed. With the CGC having made the change, the PIL, which was still being adjudicated, will be now withdrawn.
“Rule 45(h) stands rescinded, thanks to unanimous vote and support of all permanent members at the annual general meeting. This amendment now gives every permanent member the right to contest the club elections for management as well as grants the permanent members more options to choose from. This decision will go a long way in the further growth of our institution,” Sethi told Tribune India.
“We welcome this decision of allowing permanent members of professionals’ category to contest the CGC elections. This will help the club to achieve new heights and to develop golf amid experienced and expert opinions of professionals,” said Kahlon, an Arjuna Award recipient and Asian Tour winner.
