Delhi HC says eviction of Delhi Gymkhana Club must follow law, refuses interim order against govt

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Tuesday said that eviction of Delhi Gymkhana Club from the land leased to it by the Centre in 1928 would be carried only in accordance with the law and after prior notice.

Last week, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) wrote to the club, asking it to vacate the Lutyens Delhi premises by June 5. In its notice, it said the land is needed for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure.

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Delhi High Court's Justice Avneesh Jhingan, however, refused to pass any interim order against the government's May 22 order to take back 27.3 acres of land from the club.

"The issue is premature and presumptive. As on date, there is nothing on record to substantiate that action under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act has been taken and in case the need so arises, the plaintiffs can avail remedies in accordance with law," the court said, and issued summons to the L&DO under the ministry of housing and urban affairs on two petitions--one filed by Vijay Khurana, a longstanding member of the club, and the other by the Staff Welfare Association of the Delhi Gymkhana.