The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined to pass an interim order in favor of the Gymkhana Club after the central government assured that it would not take forceful possession of the club premises until June 5. The court was hearing a batch of petitions filed by the club challenging the termination of its lease deed by the Centre.
Court's Observations
A bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri noted that the issues regarding the locus standi of the plaintiffs to file the lawsuits and the requirement of giving prior notice for termination of the lease deed would be considered at an appropriate stage. The court said it would examine these legal questions after hearing all parties in detail.
Centre's Assurance
The central government, represented by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, submitted that it would not take any coercive action to evict the club until June 5. This assurance came in response to the club's plea seeking an interim stay on the eviction proceedings. The court recorded the assurance and listed the matter for further hearing on June 6.
Background of the Case
The Gymkhana Club, located on Rafi Marg in New Delhi, has been at the center of a legal dispute over the renewal of its lease. The club's lease expired in 2021, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a notice terminating the lease in April 2026, citing violations of lease conditions. The club challenged the termination in the Delhi High Court, arguing that the Centre had not followed the proper procedure and that the club had invested heavily in the property.
The court's decision to not grant an interim order means that the club's status quo will continue until the next hearing. The club remains operational, but its future hinges on the court's final ruling on the validity of the lease termination.
