The Maharashtra government's recent decision to grant a 30-year lease of the Wilson College Gymkhana land to the Jain International Organisation (JITO) has sparked widespread opposition from students, alumni and community groups.
The controversial move, approved by the state cabinet, involves handing over a 1.02 lakh square feet plot, currently occupied by the Wilson College Gymkhana, to JITO for running a Jain Gymkhana.
The Alumni Association of Wilson College has vowed to file an intervention application in the Bombay High Court, seeking to become a party to the petition filed by the United Church of North Indian Trust Association (UCNI) against the collector's decision to cancel the college's lease of the gymkhana.
"As lovers of the college, we will fight for the ground to continue to be available to the institutions under the John Wilson Education Society (JWES) for sporting activities," said Rajan Jayakar, president of the alumni association.
On March 27, the Christian Reform United People Association (CRUPA) wrote to the collector, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and MP Supriya Sule, opposing the decision to cancel the college's lease.
"This order has dispossessed Wilson College from its Gymkhana at Marine Drive, Mumbai, which has resulted in widespread distress amongst the entire Christian community, students and public at large," the letter stated.
The UCNI, which held the lease of the Wilson College Gymkhana, moved the High Court on March 22, filing a writ petition opposing the collector's cancellation of the lease on December 5, 2023. The collector had cited alleged violations and breach of the terms and conditions of the lease.
The UCNI contends that the collector's claims of violations were false and that they were not given a fair opportunity to contest the allegations.
Principal Dr. Anna Pratima Nikalje expressed concern over the government's decision, stating that the gymkhana is not only a heritage structure but also holds sentimental value for alumni, that include notable figures such as freedom fighter Usha Mehta and former Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
Retired professor Solomonraj highlighted the gymkhana's long history, dating back to 1913, when it hosted sports events for students and the local community.
As per media reports, CRUPA intends to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Bombay High Court soon to safeguard the gymkhana associated with Wilson College and prevent its exploitation for commercial purposes.
