New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) Delhi Gymkhana Club members on Thursday met officials of the Land and Development Office (L&DO) and raised concerns over the proposed eviction of the club from its premises, following the Centre’s decision to terminate its perpetual lease.
During the proceedings before the estate officer, the matter was adjourned and the next hearing was scheduled for the second week of September, giving the club members additional time to pursue their case, said members of the club.
The hearing before the estate officer follows proceedings in the Delhi High Court earlier this week, where the Centre opposed a plea seeking to stay the eviction process.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on September 3 while indicating that the Centre’s assurance regarding adjournment of the proceedings before the estate officer would continue in the meantime.
The dispute stems from the Centre’s May 22 order terminating the Gymkhana Club’s perpetual lease and directing it to hand over the 27.3-acre property, citing the need to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure.
Subsequently, the L&DO issued a show-cause notice on June 29 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, asking the club and other occupants to explain why an eviction order should not be passed against them.
The notice had initially directed them to file their response and appear before the estate officer on July 7.
Club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association have challenged the termination of the lease before the Delhi High Court, contending that the move is arbitrary and that due process has not been followed.
They have also sought protection against any coercive action pending adjudication of the matter.
The Centre has maintained before the high court that the eviction proceedings are being carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Public Premises Act and that the estate officer is competent to proceed with the matter. PTI SHB MNK MNK
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