The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim stay on the Union Government’s eviction notice for the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
This ruling leaves the club vulnerable to government takeover of its premises in the high-security Lutyens’ Delhi zone. The decision signals a refusal by the judiciary to block the administrative order while the legal merits of the case are debated.
The court issued a notice to the Centre seeking a formal response to the challenge brought by club members and the Staff Welfare Association. These parties challenged the Union Government's order requiring the club to hand over possession of the property [1].
During the proceedings in early June 2024, the Union Government provided assurances regarding the timing of the handover. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, "There will be no forcible eviction from the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises on June 5" [2]. This specific date, June 5, 2024, was highlighted as the point at which the government would refrain from using force to secure the site [2].
The legal battle centers on the ownership and occupancy rights of the club's land. While the court declined to halt the eviction notice, it has not yet ruled on the final legality of the government's claim to the property [1].
A court spokesperson said the court has refused to stay the government's eviction notice and has issued a notice to the Centre for its response [1].
“The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim stay on the Union Government’s eviction notice.”
The court's refusal to grant an interim stay means the government's eviction order remains legally active. While the Solicitor General's assurance against forcible eviction on a specific date provided temporary relief, the club lacks a judicial shield to prevent the eventual handover of the premises unless a final ruling is issued in their favor.
