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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court recently acknowledged recent amendments to the Bye-Laws of the Delhi Golf Club, ensuring compliance with Article 15 of the Constitution of India.

The bench of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Subramonium Prasad was dealing with a petition filed by a woman from the Khasi Tribe who faced denial of entry at the golf club due to her traditional attire.

Advocate Vrinda Grover, along with Advocates Soutik Banerjee and Devika Tulsiani, represented the petitioner in court. Grover had earlier presented arguments regarding the affront to the dignity of the petitioner and the prevailing discriminatory attitudes within clubs, particularly against domestic employees.

The Delhi Golf Club informed the court of the amendment to its Bye Laws, specifically allowing Members' Domestic Employees to be signed in as guests in the dining area, a practice previously prohibited. This amendment addressed the issue raised in the petition, leading the petitioners to withdraw their plea.

"In view of the above, the petitioners did not press the petition further, and it stands disposed of," stated the court order.

The petitioner, a woman of Khasi origin from Meghalaya belonging to a Scheduled Tribe, had been denied entry to a lunch she was invited to at the Delhi Golf Club's dining area.

The denial was based on her facial appearance and cultural attire, with the Golf Club considering it an expression of her being a Nepali maid, thereby disqualifying her from the right to be a duly invited guest.

The plea sought directions to prevent discrimination based on caste, sex, place of birth, cultural attire, and expression in places of public resort and entertainment. Additionally, it aimed to ensure that establishments receiving funds or concessions from the state uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and social justice.

Case Title: Kong Tailin Lyngdoh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.