The Delhi Gymkhana Club takeover dispute has returned to the Delhi High Court after the Supreme Court allowed 11 club members to challenge the Centre’s decision and subsequent eviction proceedings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana permitted the members to approach the Delhi High Court, while making it clear that the Centre and other parties can raise objections regarding the maintainability of the petition and other legal issues.
The development comes after the Delhi High Court had earlier declined to entertain the members’ plea, observing that the club itself could challenge the Centre’s decision.
Members Challenge Takeover and Eviction Action
The dispute concerns the Centre’s decision involving the 27.3-acre Delhi Gymkhana Club premises and subsequent proceedings related to its eviction from the Safdarjung Road property.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the club members, told the Supreme Court that the High Court had asked them to seek clarification from the apex court before pursuing their case.
The members argued that the club was being managed by a committee nominated by the central government, making it difficult for the club itself to independently challenge the government’s action.
The petitioners are seeking the cancellation of a resumption notification issued by the Land and Development Office on May 22, as well as a June 29 show-cause notice issued by an estate officer.
Legal Battle Moves Back to Delhi High Court
The Supreme Court’s order does not decide the merits of the dispute. Instead, it allows the 11 members to place their challenge before the Delhi High Court, where questions surrounding maintainability and other legal objections will be considered.
The Centre had earlier told the High Court that it would not take coercive action until September 16 in connection with the eviction proceedings.
The latest Supreme Court order therefore gives the club members another opportunity to contest the takeover and related proceedings, with the next stage of the legal battle now expected to unfold before the Delhi High Court.
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