New Delhi, May 26 (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has issued notice to the Central Government while hearing a petition filed by the Gymkhana Club against the government’s directive to vacate its premises. However, the Court refused to grant any interim stay on the Centre’s notice.

A bench led by Justice Avneesh Jhingan took note of the Centre’s submission that no eviction action would be taken without issuing proper notice after the current communication.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Central Government, argued that before any action to vacate the Gymkhana Club premises, due process of law would be followed through proper notice. He further contended that it was incorrect to suggest that the government was taking over the management of the club.

Following this, the Court observed that in such circumstances, there was no justification for staying the Centre’s notice.

The issue of an internal dispute within the Delhi Gymkhana Club was also raised before the High Court on the same day. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared in court on behalf of the club’s elected managing committee.

The Gymkhana Club has been witnessing a long-standing tussle between its management and members. The Delhi Gymkhana Club has approached the High Court challenging the Centre’s notice directing it to vacate its premises. The petition states that the government has ordered the club to vacate its 27.3-acre premises by June 5. The plea has been filed by Vijay Khurana of the Delhi Gymkhana Club.

It further states that on May 22, the Land and Development Office issued the directive asking the club to vacate the premises.

The Central Government has argued that the Gymkhana Club is located near the Prime Minister’s residence and other sensitive security installations. It has maintained that the land is required to strengthen defence and other critical infrastructure in the area.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar