The Calcutta High Court on June 14 passed an order in connection with a writ petition filed by the Dalhousie Institute Council, directing the police to ensure that Dalhousie Institute functions normally and without any obstruction.
“The club shall function and the office bearers as also the members of the club shall not be prevented from entering into the club premises and from enjoying the facilities. There must be free ingress to and egress and from the club. Police authorities shall ensure safe passage,” stated the order.
After the order was passed, a notice was sent to members of Dalhousie Institute on Wednesday announcing that the club management would work on a “phase-wise opening of the club”.
“It will take two months to put the club in order,” said an official. “As the first step, the premises would need to be cleaned and some maintenance work to be completed”.
The swimming pool, badminton court and other sporting zones are expected to be up first.
The Council proposes to form a Restart Sub-Committee and members have been invited to volunteer to join this committee to work with the Council through the process of reopening.
The social club on Jhowtala Road, which is more than 150 years old, has been shut since March 23 owing to a financial dispute with the working staff.
Around 45 members of the staff have been retrenched and provided “adequate compensation”.
During the period of closure, DI members were given access to reciprocal city clubs like Calcutta International Club, Outram Club, Kolkata Lake Club, Indian Life Saving Society, Calcutta Rowing Club and Calcutta South Club.
“My daughter could not go swimming or meet her club friends during the summer vacation. The court order and the club letter has given us hope that things will open soon and we cannot wait to enjoy the comfort and company of old friends at DI just like old times,” said a member.
