Continuing their opposition to the new guidelines set by the state government for renewal of their lease agreements, despite receiving ultimatums from the city collector, several city gymkhanas have taken the legal route to challenge the revised rents. While Islam Gymkhana and Hindu Gymkhana have already moved Bombay High Court, Parsi Gymkhana will file a writ petition on similar grounds next week.

Moving court
Hindu Gymkhana was the first to file its petition on August 31, even before receiving a notice from the collectorate directing payment of rent of R31.27 lakh for 2017-18, failing which the collector would take over the land. "As per court's directions, we cleared the dues and paid R31.27 lakh in protest. We are contesting the entire amount and other terms, such as the 4 per cent annual increase in rent," said Pranav Chikhal, joint secretary of Hindu Gymkhana. Gymkhana administration officials said the decision to move court was taken after the collector stopped issuing permissions for their events after they'd refused to pay the amount.