Delhi High Court seeks Centre's response on plea by Central Secretariat Club against eviction notice

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to respond to a petition moved by the Central Secretariat Club challenging the July 14 de-recognition order and July 17 eviction notice citing misconduct.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the Union Ministries of Personnel & Training and Housing & Urban Affairs in this regard.

However, the Court refused to pass a status quo order staying the operation of the Centre's orders.

"I do not think they will do anything till next date," the Court stated and posted the matter for next hearing on August 24.

On March 3, the allotment of the land to the Club was cancelled by the Central government’s Directorate of Estates.

On July 14, the Club was de-recognised by the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions citing constant violations and prima facie evidence of purported undesirable, illegitimate and untoward activities. The de-recognition order stated that the Club consistently failed to maintain a meaningful and representative membership base of Central government employees in service.

The order stated that the Club's executive committee is involved in harbouring unauthorised occupants in illegal possession and encroachment of government property. Further, it also stated that there is no legally constituted management committee to run the affairs of the club.

On July 17, the Directorate of Estates issued an eviction notice, directing immediate vacation of the Club from the property.

Senior Advocate Diya Kapur and Advocates Akhil Sachhar, Nakul Gandhi, Darshit Sidhabhatti, Raghav Kumar, Nibedya and Siddhi Sahoo appeared for the Club.