Center Challenges High Court’s Authority in Delhi Gymkhana Club Eviction Dispute

Jurisdictional Conflicts Over Public Land

The Central government has formally contested a legal attempt to halt eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club, asserting that the Delhi High Court does not possess the authority to intervene under current federal law. This jurisdictional challenge arrived in response to an interim plea filed by club member Vijay Khurana. The government's position rests on Section 15 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, which establishes a strict legal barrier against judicial interference in such matters.

The Two-Fold Legal Bar

According to the Center's submission filed on Monday, the Public Premises Act creates two specific prohibitions that limit court oversight:

• Civil courts are explicitly excluded from handling proceedings related to eviction from public premises.
• Judicial bodies are prohibited from granting injunctions against actions initiated by an Estate Officer.

The underlying conflict began in May when the government terminated the club’s perpetual lease. Officials stated the land is now essential for developing defense infrastructure and strengthening national security protocols.

Procedural Delays and Future Hearing

During the hearing before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Tuesday, the legal representative for the petitioner, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, noted that the government’s response reached his team late Monday night. Consequently, Singhvi requested additional time to prepare a formal rejoinder to the Center's arguments. The court approved this request, scheduling the next deliberation for September 3. This legal battle currently includes challenges from both individual members like Mr. Khurana and the club’s Staff Welfare Association.

Source: The Hindu — Cities