Thiruvananthapuram, Monday, December 14, 2009: Thiruvananthapuram Golf club members have moved Thiruvananthapuram Sub Court against the government’s move to take over the golf club.

The State Government had given the the Club officials one month time to vacate the premise.

The Peroorkada village officer handed over the government order to the Club officials. Revenue Minister K P Rajendran signed the order for taking over the Club last week.

The government, in its order, has charged the Club with violating lease deed conditions. It, reportedly, has also charged the Club with several other violations, including the operating of a bar and renting out the premises for film shooting.

Earlier, attempts by the LDF Government to annex the club had flopped after it failed to follow proper procedure. The Kerala High Court, staying the government move, had criticised Revenue Principal Secretary Nivedita P.Haran for not sticking to procedure.

A hearing will be held within a month where the Club can present its case.

The Club, on its part, plans to approach the State Government denying the charges levelled against it. It would seek a cancellation of Friday’s order. Simultaneously, the Club officials plan to seek legal advice on the matter.

The Thiruvananthapuram Golf Club, the oldest in the country, has been in the eye of a storm after the LDF Government began its overtures. The government’s argument was that the club had violated the lease deed conditions.