Delhi HC: Centre asked to respond to Gymkhana Club eviction notice

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the government's response on a petition by Delhi Gymkhana Club members and its staff association against a show-cause notice for eviction from its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens' Delhi.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan, while issuing notice to the central government on the fresh petition seeking a stay on the operation of the show-cause notice, posted the matter for further hearing on July 28.

The bench also asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta to ensure that the case is not taken up before the Estate Officer on July 7 and that the hearing before the Estate Officer is adjourned to a day after the HC hearing on July 28.


The petitioners argued that the government's eviction order was vague and did not demonstrate any public purpose and was aimed at taking over the property.

On June 29, the land and development office (L&DO) had issued a show-cause notice to the club, asking it to explain why an eviction order should not be passed against it under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

Government said the club's continued occupation of the property after the lease was terminated amounted to unauthorised occupation. Once the lease was terminated, the club lost its legal right to remain in possession, the government said.

L&DO had earlier in May written to Delhi Gymkhana Club, initiating "re-entry and resumption of premises" comprising the club. The order had invoked clause 4 of the original lease deed, which allows the government to resume possession if the land is required for "public purpose."