Plea against notice to Gymkhana Club: Delhi High Court asks Centre to reply

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Centre to respond to petitions filed by a club member and employees’ association of the Delhi Gymkhana Club challenging the June 29 show-cause notice by the Estate Officer of the L&DO, asking the club and all its occupants to explain why eviction proceedings should not be initiated under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. The notice had directed the club to submit its response by 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Central government on applications, one by club member Vijay Khurana and another by the Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. Staff Welfare Association, seeking a stay on the execution of the show-cause notice. He directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that Tuesday’s hearing before the Estate Officer is adjourned to a date after the next hearing in the case on July 28. Mr. Mehta said the Centre would file its response to the applications.

The pleas form part of their pending petition arising from the L&DO’s May 22 order terminating the perpetual lease deed and directing the historic club to return the land by June 5, stating that the land was required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other public purposes.