The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that it will not take immediate possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, citing due process and prior notice. The move comes after the Centre issued a notice on May 22, directing the club to vacate its premises by June 5, citing a public purpose clause in the original lease deed.
The court, taking note of the Centre's statement, issued summons to the Centre and the club, but declined to issue any interim directions. The Centre's solicitor general, Tushar Mehta, argued that any action would be taken only after following due process, including issuance of prior notice.
Mehta also contended that the Centre might offer an alternative site to the club, and that the governing committee's concerns were baseless. The court observed that the issue of prior notice for eviction and termination of the lease deed did not survive in view of the Centre's submissions.
The suit, filed by long-standing member Vijay Khurana and others, will be next heard on July 28.
