Court Dismisses Journalist Gurbir Singh Plea Against Mumbai Press Club Expulsion

On Wednesday, the Mumbai City Civil Court dismissed a notice of motion filed by senior journalist Gurbir Singh, who sought a stay on his six-year expulsion from the Mumbai Press Club.

City Civil Judge A H Baig dismissed the motion with costs, stating that Singh failed to make a prima facie case for interim relief. The court found that the club had substantially followed its rules and the principles of natural justice before taking disciplinary action.

The expulsion of Singh and two other members followed an informal meeting held on the terrace of the Mumbai Press Club on January 19. Some of the accused in the Elgaar Parishad case were in attendance at the meeting.

Singh, who has been a club member for 40 years and previously served as its president, chairman, and secretary, stated in his plea that he was invited to the meeting by the other two expelled members. He maintained that the gathering was held for journalistic purposes and professional interest.

However, the Mumbai Press Club's inquiry committee concluded that the meeting may have violated the bail conditions of the accused, who were ordered by the court not to communicate with each other. The club argued that the meeting exposed the institution to potential legal and reputational risks.

The court also took note that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has a pending motion to cancel the bail of the accused in the Elgaar Parishad criminal proceedings.

Prior to Wednesday's ruling, the civil court had temporarily stayed the expulsion in May. The current office-bearers of the club then approached the Bombay High Court, which stayed the civil court's order on May 22 and directed the lower court to decide on the notice of motion.

With this dismissal, Singh's six-year expulsion remains in effect, preventing him from active membership and contesting club elections while his lawsuit is being decided.