New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday recorded the Centre’s assurance that no forcible eviction would take place at the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club and that any action regarding possession of the premises would strictly follow legal procedure. The court was hearing petitions filed by club members and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association challenging the government’s direction to vacate the premises by June 5.
Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued summons to the Centre and sought written responses within eight weeks. However, the court declined to pass an interim stay order after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the bench that possession would not be taken without following due process of law.
During the hearing, the Centre clarified that its May 22 communication was intended for termination of the perpetual lease deed and re-entry into the property, not immediate forcible eviction. The government stated that any eviction proceedings, if necessary, would be carried out only after notice and in accordance with the law.
The court also noted that there was currently nothing on record to show that proceedings under the Public Premises Act had been initiated. It observed that the petitioners would have legal remedies available if such proceedings were started in the future.
The dispute arose after the Centre sought possession of the club’s 27.3-acre property in Lutyens’ Delhi, citing the need for defence infrastructure and public security purposes. Petitioners argued that the order was arbitrary and issued without proper notice.
Senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Kapil Sibal questioned the legality of the government’s action and the validity of the lease clause permitting re-entry for public purposes. The High Court said these issues would be examined during the final hearing of the matter, which is now listed before the Joint Registrar on July 28.
