Lawyer Sriram Panchu Files Complaint Against Madras Club After Fall on Uneven Path

Senior lawyer and mediator Sriram Panchu has filed a formal complaint against the Madras Club in Chennai after he fell on an uneven pathway on June 6. Panchu, who is polio-affected and uses mobility aids, alleged that the club has failed to address accessibility barriers for differently abled individuals and raised concerns over the enforcement of its dress code.

According to the complaint, Panchu lost his balance and fell while leaving the club's poolside cafe. Because the main route from the car park is cobblestoned and difficult for wheelchair users, Panchu was forced to take an alternative path past the barbershop. He described this alternative route as jagged, rutty, uneven, and hazardous for wheelchair access.

Panchu stated that he had repeatedly alerted the club's management about the dangerous condition of the pathway and requested repairs, but the issue remained unresolved. In his letter, he cited provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, requested details on the club's disability access policy, and indicated he may pursue legal action under disability rights laws.

The complaint also detailed an incident involving a 75-year-old lawyer from Telangana whom Panchu had invited to the club for lunch. A steward allegedly approached the guest, who was wearing a jibba, to inform him that his attire did not comply with the club's dress code. Panchu stated the interaction caused embarrassment to his guest and questioned how the dress code was enforced.

Sources within the Madras Club disputed the allegations of insensitivity, asserting that the institution has long been disability-friendly and is known for providing facilities for differently abled members. The sources stated that the accessibility issues raised by Panchu are currently being examined and efforts are underway to address them.

Regarding the dress code incident, club sources maintained that an attender had merely whispered a polite reminder to the guest about the regulations. They denied any targeted or motivated action against Panchu or his guest, expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved amicably.