250 year-old Madras Race Club sealed after Rs 730 crore rent arrears; 500 horses left locked inside stables

The historic Madras Race Club (MRC) in Chennai is facing eviction following a move by the Tamil Nadu government's Revenue Department. The race club in Guindy was sealed by the Revenue department and announced plans to take possession. The move follows a significant rent arrears of Rs 730.86 crore and allegations of illegal construction. Trainers and jockeys were abruptly asked to vacate, and nearly 500 horses were left locked inside the stables when the authorities took control of the 160-acre site.

Tamil Nadi Government Revoked 99-year Lease Agreement

The Tamil Nadu government has revoked the 99-year lease agreement, originally signed in 1945, and is set to assume control of the property. The Madras High Court has been informed that due process will be followed, including issuing notices to the MRC before finalizing possession.

The Government Order dated September 6 cites violations reported by the Chennai Collector. These include illegal construction of a banquet hall, unauthorized activities by the Madras Gymkhana Club and the golf club, and construction of buildings without state permission.

Legal Dispute and Club's Response

Advocate General P. S. Raman clarified that the government has only terminated the lease and has not yet moved to take possession. Separate proceedings will address the eviction and possession issues. The MRC's urgent motion to halt the eviction was addressed by the division bench of the Madras High Court. Senior counsel A. L. Somayaji criticized the government's actions as "undemocratic" and lacking proper notice.

Previous Rent Disputes and Lease Details

The MRC has occupied 148.32 acres of the original 160-acre land since March 8, 1946, for recreational purposes. Of the total land, portions were allocated to other developments, including an aquatic complex and public roads. Despite attempts to increase rent in 1970, the government faced resistance from the club, which argued that the original agreement did not accommodate such changes. The government’s latest actions follow a similar move by the Nilgiris district administration, which reclaimed land from the MRC last month due to unpaid arrears.

Advocate Vaibhav R. Venkatesh argued that the lease is valid until April 1, 2045, and contended that the club should retain the property while a pending appeal on rent arrears remains unresolved.

(Inputs from PTI)