New Delhi: After the Jaipur Polo Ground, another iconic Delhi landmark is under threat—the Ambassador hotel near Khan Market. For decades, the quiet boutique hotel has been a favourite of Delhites. The land surrounding the hotel and the affluent neighbourhood of Sujan Singh Park is under contention.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued an eviction notice under the Public Premises Act 1971 on 11 June declaring the hotel management unauthorised occupants. The hotel owners on 17 June approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the eviction notice and request a stay on the proceedings.
This latest development is part of a seven-decade-long dispute between the hotel management and the Union.
Legal roadblocks
In February 1959, the government first alleged that the hotel had breached its lease conditions, which stipulated that the land be used solely for residential purposes.
Since then, the Union has termed the hotel a breach, making termination of the lease, or a “re-entry”, valid.
However, Sir Sobha Singh and Sons Pvt. Ltd, the real estate company that built and runs the Sujan Singh Park complex and the owner of the Ambassador Hotel, claims that the land is under a government takeover bid.
On 9 June, a district judge at the Tis Hazari Courts overturned a 2009 trial court verdict that ruled in favour of the hotel owners, effectively upholding the government’s stance. Following this, the L&DO issued its eviction order, which prompted the real estate firm to approach the DHC. Justice Tejas Karia admitted the appeal against the appellate court.
Arguing on behalf of the hotel, advocate Sandeep Sethi said that there is an imminent threat of eviction and asked for a Stay order. Justice Karia, however, felt that no interim orders were necessary at the moment.
The case is now listed for 23 July.
Also Read: End of an era at Jaipur Polo Ground, a Maharaja’s gift that was free for all
Ambassador Hotel and Delhi—A love story
The hotel was built in 1945 by British architect Walter George. It was originally established to house British soldiers during WWII and later opened to diplomats and travellers. Today, it is an INTACH-listed heritage landmark in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi.
The building has witnessed the city change over the decades and has housed several landmark properties such as the high-society nightclub Jewel Box, the Art Deco bar Insomnia, the fine-dining restaurant Larry’s China (a staple for many Delhites over the years), and of course, the Yellow Brick Road cafe.
Famed for its old school charm, the hotel came under the IHCL SeleQtions in 1990. The hotel effortlessly blends the past with contemporary dynamics and is at the capital’s intellectual, social and cultural epicentre.
The latest eviction notice has been seen by many as a move by the government to rid Delhi of its persisting “colonial mindset.” However, not everyone agrees with that narrative.
“Don’t know what plans the Govt has for the reconstruction of Delhi, but I have no doubt it will be an absolute ruination,” said Delhi-based lawyer Nikhil Mehra in an X post.