Khar Gymkhana revokes membership of Jemimah over father’s ‘religious activities’

Khar Gymkhana, one of Mumbai’s oldest clubs, has removed cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as its member after her father was found engaging in religious activities. Club officials and committee members stated that the decision to revoke her membership came after some members raised objections regarding her father, Ivan, using the club premises to hold religious events and attempting to convert people.
In 2023, Khar Gymkhana invited Jemimah Rodrigues to become a member and use its facilities, granting her an honorary three-year membership as a 24-year-old cricketer.
The religious conversion angle prompted officials to take stern action.
Shiv Malhotra, a committee member, said, “We are proud of her; she brings laurels to the country, but her father held nearly 35 meetings at the club in a hall that remained booked for over a year. An organisation called Brother Manuel Ministries held regular meetings there, and the hall was personally booked in Jemimah’s name.
“The president also waived the security deposit, which goes against Gymkhana rules, as these rules prohibit the propagation of religious activities. Our office can confirm that it was booked at a discounted rate. A few months ago, an MNS leader also wrote to the club and later to the Khar police station. Another issue was that other members were unable to book the hall.”
“The vice president and other committee members were unaware of these activities. An additional sum of over three lakh was later collected. Her father misused the privilege; we generally offer sports memberships, and athletes like PV Sindhu and Leander Paes are also associated with us, but this is unacceptable. Many rules were broken, and now this propagation has extended to elite clubs as well,” Malhotra added.
However, Khar Gymkhana president Vivek Devnani said that the allegations against Jemimah Rodrigues’ father were made with ‘political motives’ in the lead-up to its managing committee and trustee elections in October.
“In case you are not aware, Khar Gymkhana is scheduled to have its managing committee and trustee elections later this month. Considering this fact, it should be evident that these allegations are being made with political motives. No evidence whatsoever has been offered in connection with any alleged wrongdoings. The facilities of Khar Gymkhana, including the banquet halls, are available to its members for personal events/functions in accordance with our rules and regulations- while banquet hall-related bookings are handled by our administrative office, as far as I am aware, no discounts or preferential/special treatment are given to any member,” Vivek said.
“Yes – the honorary three-year membership given to Ms. Jemimah Rodrigues was revoked pursuant to a resolution passed by the members who attended the general meeting held on October 20, 2024. As you will appreciate, I am not in a position to comment on the proceedings of a general meeting of Khar Gymkhana’s members – however, any resolution validly passed at such a meeting will always be given effect, since the will of our members will always reign supreme,” he said.
The gatherings included dancing, expensive music equipment, and large screens. According to Khar Gymkhana’s bylaws, Rule 4A of the constitution prohibits any religious activity. The equipment is believed to have arrived in tempos on multiple occasions.
A resolution was passed by members during a general meeting held on October 20, 2024.
Calls to her parents went unanswered. Meanwhile, her father, who is currently in Dubai, also did not respond to messages.