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Hall of blame: The cellar where functions are held |
K Chandrashekar was responsible for the construction of a party hall in the cellar of The Bangalore City Institute.
A member said the hall was built in the face of strong objections from a majority of its members.
Chandrashekar was Bangalore mayor in 2000. He built the party hall in 2007 after he became president of the institute.
"A BBMP bylaw says a cellar must not be used for purposes other than parking or placing a generator set," said a town-planning officer.
"We can demolish the building or seize it if they have violated norms."
Vehicles are parked on the road outside the club, as the open space inside is not enough for members' cars.
Heritage building
Some members are angry Chandrashekar disregarded them and brought down its old building.
"The club had a heritage building. He demolished it saying we would have a swanky new building.
"We have no new building, and it looks like our premises are in ruins," said a member.
The club, located in Chamarajpet, was established in 1938, on its own land of 3.75 acres.
Film stars such as Vishnuvardhan and Ambarish are members, while Dr Rajkumar was an honorary member.
Justice Chandrashekar started the club when he was chief justice, and judicial luminaries such as A J Sadashiva are among its members.
Safety question
"More than bylaw violation, they should be concerned about safety," said P R Ramesh, former mayor, referring to the party hall in the cellar.
Chandrashekar defends the decision to build a cellar.
"It was in the interest of the club. We have installed adequate safety measures," he told MiD DAY.
Approved plan
"We have a sanctioned plan from the BBMP and the party hall was built with approval from the general body," said D S Anand, president of the club.
"We have not violated norms," he added.
Dr S Subramanya, BBMP commissioner, dismissed that defence. "It is a blatant violation. But we have to inspect the spot before taking action."
