ST panel sends notice to Delhi Golf Club over discrimination

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has issued a notice to the Delhi Golf Club for "discrimination in its premises" against a woman from Meghalaya dressed in her traditional Khasi attire.

The club has been asked to reply within seven days with the warning that its office bearers may be summoned before the Commission if it fails to do so within the stipulated time.

The Scheduled Tribes Commission has decided to investigate and inquire into the matter in pursuance of the

powers conferred upon it under Article 338A of the Constitution of India, an official statement said.

The notice, seeking facts and information, including on action, if any, taken in the matter, has been issued based on a representation received from the chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for Women and Civil Society of Assam.

The notice by the Commission makes it clear that if the Commission does not receive a reply from the club within the stipulated period, it may exercise the "powers of civil courts conferred on it under clause 8 of Article 338A of the Constitution" and issue the summons for the appearance of its office bearers in person.

It may be recalled that Tailin Lyngdoh was asked to leave the dining hall because the club's staffers believed

her traditional outfit looked like a "maid's uniform" which had sparked widespread outrage.

Union Home Minister Kiren Rijiju had termed it as a clear case of racial discrimination.