The Central government has assured the Delhi High Court that the premises occupied by the Central Secretariat Club will not be allotted to any other organisation or entity for now, offering temporary clarity amid the ongoing dispute over the property’s possession.
The assurance was given on November 5 before Justice Amit Mahajan during the hearing of an application filed by the Club. The application sought a stay on the government’s decisions to withdraw its recognition and evict it from the premises.
Central Government Standing Counsel Radhika Bishwajit Dubey, appearing for the government, informed the Court that there was currently no proposal to transfer or allot the disputed property to any other party.
Taking note of the submission, the Court observed that no further interim directions were necessary at this stage. It also permitted the Club to remove its belongings from the premises within one week.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 21.
The Club had approached the High Court expressing apprehension that the government was preparing to hand over possession of the property to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital before its challenge to the eviction and de-recognition decisions could be adjudicated. It argued that such a move would effectively alter the situation on the ground before the Court had an opportunity to examine the dispute.
The controversy began on March 3, when the Directorate of Estates cancelled the land allotment granted to the Central Secretariat Club.
Subsequently, on July 14, the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions withdrew the Club’s recognition, citing repeated violations and prima facie indications of improper activities.
The government also questioned the Club’s membership structure, alleging that it had failed to maintain a meaningful and representative presence of serving Central government employees.
The de-recognition order further alleged that members of the Club’s executive committee were facilitating the occupation of government property by unauthorised persons. It also pointed to the absence of a legally constituted management committee to administer the organisation.
Three days after withdrawing recognition, the Directorate of Estates issued an eviction notice on July 17, directing the Club to vacate the premises immediately.
The Club subsequently challenged both government decisions before the Delhi High Court.
Senior Advocate Diya Kapur appeared for the Central Secretariat Club, assisted by advocates Akhil Sachhar, Nakul Gandhi, Darshit Sidhabatti, Anushka Khaitan, Raghav Kumar, Shruti Jain and Naibedya Dash.