New Delhi, 07 October (H.S.): The Delhi High Court judge has recused himself from hearing a petition challenging the Centre’s action seeking to evict the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its premises. Justice Pratik Jalan, while recusing himself from the matter, directed that the case be placed before a bench of which he is not a member. The matter will next be heard on October 9.

Three petitions have been filed in the case. The first has been filed by Delhi Gymkhana Club member Vijay Khurana, the second by the Club Staff Welfare Association, and the third by the Delhi Gymkhana Club.

On May 22, the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office issued a show-cause notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, directing it to vacate the land by June 5. Khurana has stated that his petition is supported by 500 club members, who have filed a petition through the Staff Welfare Association.

On May 26, the High Court, while hearing a petition challenging the notice to vacate the premises, issued notice to the Centre. However, the court declined to grant any interim stay on the Centre’s notice. A bench headed by Justice Avneesh Jhingan took note of the Centre’s submission that no eviction action would be initiated without first issuing a notice.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said that a notice would be issued in accordance with law before any action was taken to evict the Gymkhana Club. He said it was incorrect to suggest that the government was taking over the management of the Gymkhana Club. The court subsequently observed that, in such circumstances, there was no purpose in staying the Centre’s notice.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre’s notice seeking to vacate the premises.

The Centre has also filed a petition seeking permission to evict the Delhi Gymkhana Club from the premises. The Centre has submitted that the Gymkhana Club is located in close proximity to the Prime Minister’s residence and other critical security installations. It has contended that the land occupied by the Gymkhana Club is required to further strengthen defence and other critical infrastructure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar