Cubbon Park walkers’ association urges Karnataka CM to reject renewal of KSLTA’s lease

Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) stadium at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: File photo The Cubbon Park Walkers’ Association has urged Karnataka’s Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not to renew lease granted to the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) for 2.6 acres of prime land inside Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, alleging violations of lease conditions and commercial activities in the name of promoting sports.In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, Association president S. Umesh said the lease expired on August 23, 2026. KSLTA had approached the government seeking an extension for another 25 years.Mr. Umesh pointed out that KSLTA was paying only ₹20,000 annually as lease rent for the 2.6-acre property, while allegedly collecting lakhs of rupees in membership fees.He alleged that KSLTA had violated several terms and conditions of the lease and that its activities appeared to be more in the nature of a club than a sporting facility. He claimed that several politicians and senior government officials were members of the club.The representation further referred to a public interest litigation filed by the Cubbon Park Walkers' Association in the Karnataka High Court challenging the functioning of various clubs within Cubbon Park.Recalling Mr. Shivakumar’s assurance during a recent visit to Cubbon Park that steps would be taken to protect the green space, Mr. Umesh urged the government to reject KSLTA’s lease renewal application and take measures to safeguard the park. Published - November 12, 2026 12:20 pm IST