Delhi HC Seeks Centre's Reply on Plea Against Eviction of 107-Year-Old Club
The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought the Central government's response to a petition filed by the Central Secretariat Club, formerly known as Talkatora Club, challenging the revocation of its recognition and an eviction order. The club, a 107-year-old institution located near the President's Estate, contests the orders as arbitrary and unconstitutional.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the Central government and directed it to file its reply. The court listed the matter for further hearing on August 24. The petitioner's counsel requested an interim order of status quo, arguing that "nothing would be left" without such protection. The court declined to pass such an order at this stage.
According to the petition, the Department of Personnel and Training on July 14 withdrew the club's recognition in an "arbitrary, illegal, and unconstitutional" manner. The club claims that authorities initially revoked recognition in February without issuing any show-cause notice. Following a court intervention, the club was given a hearing, after which a fresh derecognition order was issued on July 14. An eviction order followed on July 17.
The petition contends that both orders are "ex facie arbitrary, malicious, unconstitutional, and constitute a brazen, colourable exercise of administrative power." It further argues that the authorities are attempting to use the misdeeds of an ad hoc committee to dispossess a historic institution, in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution and principles of natural justice.
The club, which was granted permanent occupancy, is being treated as an "unauthorised occupant" solely due to the cancellation of allotment. The plea says this action threatens the existence of a venerable institution.
The Central Secretariat Club has been a recreational and social hub for government employees for over a century. Established in 1917, it has hosted numerous official events and served as a gathering place for officers and staff. Its premises in central Delhi are considered valuable, but the club's significance lies in its heritage and role in the lives of government personnel.
This case highlights the broader issue of procedural fairness in administrative decisions. The court's decision to seek a response suggests it will examine whether the cancellation and eviction were conducted with due process. The outcome could set a precedent for how historic institutions are treated by government authorities.
