- Centre told Delhi HC no police action on June 5 for Gymkhana Club eviction notice
- Centre invoked lease clause citing public purpose for reclaiming 27-acre Lutyens Delhi land
- Gymkhana Club asked Centre if an alternative accommodation will be provided
In what could seen as a breather for the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Centre on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that possession would not be taken forcefully and that due legal procedure would be followed.
"It is not that Police will move in on June 5 and take possession of land. We will do it as per proper procedure," Centre told Delhi High Court in the Delhi Gymkhana Club case.
The Centre had last week issued eviction notice to the prestigious club, reclaiming the 27-acre prime property in the heart of Lutyen's Delhi. The govt had invoked a clause in the lease agreement on the 113 year old club saying the land was needed for public purpose. The Centre asked the club to handover the premises by June 5.
When asked if any action will be taken on June 5, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, responded negatively. "No action can be taken on June 5. We will have to give notice," Mehta told the court.
"Govt may offer alternate accommodation. We have given option to vacate on its own. It is not that the Police will rush in and forcible take possession," Mehta told the court.
The court, in its order, stated that in view or statement made by the Solicitor General no further interim directions are called for. "Statement is to the effect that eviction will be in accordance with the law with prior notice".
The Delhi Gymkhana Club had challenged the Centre's order on handing over the land by June 5. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the club, told the court that the Centre has issued a directive, not a show cause notice.
In light of the SG's statement, the Delhi High Court refused to grant any interim relief to the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
The Land and Development Office under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry had directed the club to hand over its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, stating that the land was required for "urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public interest project," including strengthening defence-related infrastructure.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club moved the Delhi High Court, challenging the Centre's directive to vacate the premises.
After the notice, the Delhi Gymkhana Club wrote in a letter to the Centre that any sudden action against it would impact multiple stakeholders, including employees and patrons. The club also sought clarification from the Centre on whether an "appropriately located alternate plot of land" will be allotted for relocation.
The exclusive club, where select diplomats, bureaucrats, military leaders and the national capital's elite individuals and intelligentsia rub shoulders, noted in the letter that it serves around 14,000 members and users who have paid subscription and membership fees to utilise the facilities offered by it. It employs 500 people and hosts cultural and sporting events, it said, adding that any sudden action by the government would impact multiple stakeholders.
