Delhi Gymkhana Club controversy reaches High Court, notice issued to Central Government; Tushar Mehta and Singhvi gave these arguments

The matter has now reached the Delhi High Court regarding the Central Government’s order to vacate the Delhi Gymkhana Club. In the hearing held on Monday, the court issued a notice to the Central Government after hearing the arguments of both the parties. The club management has moved the High Court challenging the order to vacate the premises by June 5.

Both the parties came face to face in the court

During the hearing, senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared on behalf of petitioner Vijay Khurana, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta presented the central government’s side. The court first asked the central government to clarify its stand.

What argument did Tushar Mehta give?

On the request of the court, Tushar Mehta argued that under Clause 4 of the lease, the government has the right to take necessary steps. He said that the government has issued the notice as per the rules and the process is being done completely within the legal ambit.

The court asked- Will the government forcibly take possession?

During the hearing, the judge asked the central government whether the government was going to take over the club directly. On this, Tushar Mehta said that the government will take action only as per the law and all steps will be taken as per the statutory procedure. Not only this, he also made it clear that no order was given by the government to vacate the club suddenly, rather a pre-determined procedure was adopted.

Singhvi raised serious questions, gave these arguments

Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in the court that Delhi Gymkhana Club is a non-profit organization and the government’s action can have a serious impact on its operations. He told the court that the club has been asked to vacate the premises by June 5 and a 15-member team has also been formed for this.

Singhvi claimed that the government wants to take control of the club through this process. However, commenting on this, the court said that the concerned members are only nominated representatives of the government.

‘Public Premises Act’ was also mentioned

During the hearing, Singhvi also mentioned the Public Premises Act. He said that this matter is like a “big elephant in the room” which cannot be ignored. He also told the court that earlier the court had also intervened in cases like Delhi Race Club and Polo Club and the takeover related action was stayed.

hope for relief for now

Both Delhi Gymkhana Club and Staff Welfare Association have challenged the order of the Central Government. The petitioners have appealed to the court that as long as the case is under consideration, the government should not take any drastic steps. At present, the High Court has issued a notice to the Central Government and sought its reply. Now all eyes are on the next hearing of this case, because it may affect the future of the club and its administrative structure.

Also read – ‘Twisha’s mother-in-law became a hindrance in the investigation’, Solicitor General argued in the Supreme Court