The Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGGF) has come under scrutiny for allegedly encroaching upon land leased to the Mysore Race Club (MRC) by the Karnataka government. The club is constructing a two-story structure within the racecourse premises, purportedly for restroom facilities, despite not having legal ownership or lease rights to the land.

The Mysore Racecourse, historically owned by the Maharaja of Mysore, was sold to the MRC before the government formalized the lease agreement. Over the years, the race club permitted the golf club to use portions of the land for golfing activities during non-racing periods. However, this arrangement has now given rise to tensions, with the golf club allegedly attempting to assert control over the property.

According to MRC officials, the JWG Golf Club has engaged in unauthorized actions, including breaking locks and demolishing an existing race club-built golf hut. The ongoing construction, which reportedly lacks the necessary approvals from municipal authorities, has triggered strong objections from the race club, which is now considering legal recourse.

The controversy has also raised concerns about the role of local administration in facilitating or ignoring the alleged encroachment. Officials from the Mysore Corporation and the Deputy Commissioner`s office have been criticized for their inaction, while the Public Works Department (PWD) has also been accused of failing to intervene.

MRC sources claim that influential figures within the government may be supporting the golf club`s actions, with speculation that certain high-ranking officials have been granted “service memberships” in exchange for favourable decisions.

The Mysore Race Club has firmly opposed the construction, maintaining that any development on racecourse land requires prior approval. The club argues that the golf club`s actions amount to a deliberate attempt to claim ownership through illegal means.

As legal proceedings loom, MRC has vowed to challenge the construction through appropriate legal and administrative channels. The club asserts that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights and ensure that proper procedures are upheld.

The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as MRC intensifies its efforts to halt the ongoing construction and hold accountable those involved in the disputed land grab.