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Mumbai: In a rather strange stand, the Mumbai Press Club has claimed that allowing human rights defenders and academics incarcerated in the infamous Elgar Parishad case into the premises will bring “disrepute” to the club. 

The Press Club, once known for its liberal credentials, issued a show-cause notice to one of its members, Gurbir Singh, for allegedly “making arrangements for a visit” by a few of the Elgar Parishad defendants to the club premises in January.

In the show-cause notice served to Singh, Mumbai Press Club secretary Mayuresh Ganpataye wrote: “It is alleged that you facilitated the entry and presence of such persons within the Club premises without due regard to the potential reputational consequences for the institution. The reported circumstances suggest that the assembly may have had the effect, or at least the perceived effect, of associating the Club with individuals facing serious criminal allegations, thereby exposing the Club to adverse publicity and risking the impression that its premises are being used in a manner inconsistent with its stated objectives and standing.”

The notice was served following a complaint received by the club, Ganpataye said in his written response to The Wire.

Among the actions that the Press Club........

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