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The High Court sought the Centre’s response on the club’s application and posted the matter for further hearing on July 28.
More than 500 club members have backed the petition, alongside employees concerned over sudden displacement. Pic/ANI
The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Centre’s response to an application filed by the Gymkhana Club challenging a show cause notice issued by the Estate Officer of the Land & Development Office (L&DO). During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the Gymkhana Club could seek an adjournment in the proceedings before the Estate Officer if required. His submission came in the backdrop of the show cause notice directing club officials to appear before the L&DO on July 7.
Hearing the matter, Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Centre and listed the case for further hearing on July 28.
The latest challenge comes days after the Estate Officer under the L&DO issued a show cause notice asking the club to explain why an eviction order should not be passed against it. The Centre contends that the club has been in unauthorised occupation of the government-owned property after the termination of its lease and has initiated proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act.
The dispute stems from the Union government’s decision in May to terminate the Delhi Gymkhana Club’s perpetual lease over its 27.3-acre property at 2, Safdarjung Road in Lutyens’ Delhi. The government has maintained that the land is required for a larger public purpose, including defence infrastructure, public security and governance-related projects. It had initially directed the club to vacate the premises by June 5.
The club and several of its members have, however, challenged the government’s move, arguing that the action is arbitrary and lacks adequate justification. They have questioned the grounds cited for reclaiming the land and alleged that the eviction proceedings are legally unsustainable. The Staff Welfare Association has also approached the High Court, expressing concern over the impact any takeover could have on hundreds of employees dependent on the institution.
The Centre had earlier assured the High Court that any eviction would be carried out strictly in accordance with law and only after due notice, with no forcible possession of the property. The fresh show cause notice, issued after that assurance, prompted the club and its members to return to court. With the High Court now seeking the Centre’s response, the long-running dispute over one of the capital’s oldest and most exclusive clubs is set to continue when the matter comes up again on July 28.
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