Delhi High Court denies interim relief to Central Secretariat Club

The Delhi High Court declined to order status quo at the Central Secretariat Club’s premises on Park Street near Talkatora Road in the club’s challenge to eviction.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the Centre and asked it to file a short reply. The matter is listed for hearing on August 24.

The Department of Personnel and Training withdrew the club’s recognition on February 24 and upheld that decision on July 14. An estate officer then directed the club on July 17 to vacate the premises immediately.

The Centre has cited alleged gambling, withholding of information and financial misappropriation. The club has challenged the action as unconstitutional and said it was not given prior notice before the order.

Established in 1919 as the Talkatora Club, the club serves serving and retired central government employees. The Centre is due to submit its response when the matter returns to court on August 24.