High Court Seeks Centre's Response On Plea By Delhi Gymkhana Club Members Against Show Cause Notice For Eviction

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought response of the Central Government on pleas filed by members and staff of Delhi Gymkhana Club against the show cause notice issued to it for eviction from its premises on Safdarjung Road.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Centre on the applications filed seeking stay on the operation of the show cause notice.

The Court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that the July 07 hearing before the Estate Officer is adjourned to a day after the next date of hearing before the High Court, which is on July 28.

Mehta told the Court that the Central Government will be filing its response to the applications by then.

The applications have been filed in the suits filed by the Club and its members challenging the Centre's order directing vacation of premises. Summons were issued in the suits last month.

The Central government has claimed the land parcel is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi and is “critically required for the strengthening and securing of Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.

The premises situated at Safdarjung Road were leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. (now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for maintaining a social and sporting club.