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Mumbai’s Khar Gymkhana revoked Jemimah Rodrigues’ membership after allegations that her father used the club premises for unauthorised religious activities.
Mumbai’s Khar Gymkhana has cancelled the membership of Indian women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues
Following allegations related to her father’s religious activities within the club premises.
This decision, which came into effect after the annual general body meeting on October 20, 2024, has sparked debate within the community.
According to reports, members objected to Jemimah’s father, Ivan Rodrigues, allegedly organising religious events that violated club rules.
As per Khar Gymkhana’s by-laws, religious activities are not permitted on the premises.
“The honorary three-year membership given to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024,” Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani was quoted as saying by Indian Express
Reasons Behind the Decision
The controversy stems from allegations that Jemimah’s father was using the club’s presidential hall for activities related to the Brother Manuel Ministries, a religious organisation.
“We came to know that Jemimah Rodrigues’s father was attached to an organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries. They booked the presidential hall for almost a year and a half and held 35 events. We all know what was happening there,” Khar Gymkhana managing committee member Shiv Malhotra said.
“We hear about conversions all over the country, but it’s happening right under our nose. There was dancing, expensive music equipment, and big screens. As per Khar Gymkhana’s bye-laws, Rule 4A of the constitution, Khar Gymkhana does not permit any religious activity,” he added.
According to former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar, he was informed about the “religious activity” by a staff member.
“Me, Malhotra, and a few other members went to see it. We saw the room was dark, trance music was playing, and a lady was saying, ‘He is coming to save us.’ I was surprised how Gymkhana can allow this in the first place. We protested, and it was decided to cancel her membership,” Gadekar said.
The managing committee expressed that the decision was in line with the club’s rules and aimed at maintaining neutrality within the premises.
Controversy and Backlash
The move has sparked mixed reactions. While some members praised the decision to uphold the club’s policies, others criticised the Gymkhana for targeting Jemimah due to her father’s actions.
Former Khar Gymkhana president Nitin Gadekar revealed that a staff member had first reported the activities, prompting an investigation. Gadekar expressed shock at the nature of the events, stating that they were inappropriate for the club’s environment.
Jemimah, who recently represented India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has yet to publicly respond to the incident.
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