New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has deferred the hearing on petitions challenging the Central Government's notice directing the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises. On Monday, the Central Government sought additional time to file its response to the petitions. The Bench of Justice Avneesh Jhingan accepted the request and scheduled the matter for hearing on July 28.

Two fresh petitions have also been filed in connection with the case. The new pleas have been moved by Delhi Gymkhana Club member Vijay Khurana and the Club Staff Welfare Association.

Last week, the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office issued a show-cause notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The Central Government has also filed an application seeking permission to proceed with the eviction of the club from the premises.

Earlier, on May 26, the High Court had issued notice to the Central Government while hearing the club's petition challenging the eviction notice. However, the Court declined to grant any interim stay on the government's notice. Justice Avneesh Jhingan took note of the Centre's submission that no eviction action would be taken without issuing the requisite statutory notice.

During the earlier hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Government, had informed the Court that any action to evict the club would be taken only after following the due process prescribed by law. He had also argued that it was incorrect to suggest that the government intended to take over the management of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. In view of these submissions, the Court observed that there was no justification for granting an interim stay on the notice.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has challenged the Central Government's eviction notice before the High Court. The petition states that the government directed the club to vacate its 27.3-acre premises by June 5. The plea was filed by club member Vijay Khurana, who submitted that the Land and Development Office had issued the eviction order on May 22.

The Central Government has maintained that the Delhi Gymkhana Club is situated close to the Prime Minister's residence and other strategically important security installations. It has argued that the land is required to strengthen defence infrastructure and other critical national security facilities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar