Court upholds removal of Bandra Gymkhana president after bitter dispute

Dr Cheryl Misquitta has lost her position as president of Bandra Gymkhana after a court ruling upheld her removal. The decision came following a special meeting held on March 22, where members voted her out through a resolution. She had challenged the process, but the court dismissed her plea on procedural grounds.

The dispute began when the gymkhana called a special meeting to discuss Misquitta’s presidency. She argued that the meeting was illegal, claiming it lacked an emergency justification and the required signatures from 20% of members. Despite her objections, the meeting proceeded, and members passed a resolution removing her from office.

Misquitta then approached the City Civil Court, seeking an interim order to block the gymkhana from preventing her from acting as president. She also cited an inquiry that had found no wrongdoing on her part. However, the gymkhana countered that she had been properly notified of the meeting and had submitted written objections but did not attend. The court ultimately ruled against her. It noted that Misquitta had been aware of the meeting’s agenda and had not challenged the notice in court beforehand. The judges also observed that most members no longer had confidence in her leadership, making her removal valid.

With the court’s dismissal of her motion, Misquitta’s removal as president stands. The gymkhana’s resolution from March 22 remains in effect, and she will no longer hold the position. The ruling confirms that the special meeting followed due process, despite her earlier objections.