Delhi High Court seeks Centre reply on Central Secretariat Club eviction

The Delhi High Court has sought the Centre’s response to the Central Secretariat Club’s challenge to the withdrawal of its recognition and an eviction order concerning its premises near the President’s Estate.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notice to the government and listed the petition for August 24. The club’s counsel sought a status quo order. The court did not grant interim relief at this hearing.

The club, formerly known as Talkatora Club, has said that the Department of Personnel and Training withdrew its recognition on July 14. It has also challenged a July 17 order by the Estate Officer directing it to vacate the premises immediately.

In its petition, the club alleged that officials did not address complaints of irregularities during the tenure of an ad hoc committee that managed its affairs. It also said an earlier withdrawal of recognition in February was issued without a show-cause notice. According to the petition, following court intervention and a hearing, the department issued a fresh order in July.

The club has described itself as a 107-year-old institution with permanent occupancy rights and has disputed its treatment as an unauthorised occupant. The Centre is to file its response before the next hearing.