The Delhi High Court has initiated proceedings by requesting a response from the Central government concerning a legal challenge posed by the Central Secretariat Club. This challenge is against the de-recognition and eviction directives issued in mid-July. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has officially notified the Union Ministries of Personnel & Training and Housing & Urban Affairs to address the issue.
The plea made by the Club is a response to the July 14 order that revoked its recognition, and the subsequent eviction notice served on July 17, both citing misconduct. Despite the Club’s attempts to stay the orders, the Court declined to issue a status quo order, emphasizing, “I do not think they will do anything till next date,” and scheduled further proceedings for August 24.
The controversy began on March 3, when the Directorate of Estates nullified the land allotment to the Club. The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance, and Pensions cited continual non-compliance and preliminary evidence of alleged improper and unauthorized activities as reasons for the July 14 de-recognition. The order elaborated that the Club failed to uphold a significant and representative membership of active Central government employees.
Further allegations stated that the Club’s executive committee was complicit in allowing unauthorized individuals to occupy and encroach on government property. It also highlighted the absence of a legally constituted management committee to oversee the Club’s operations. Subsequently, the Directorate of Estates issued an eviction notice on July 17, demanding the Club vacate the premises immediately.
Representing the Central Secretariat Club in this legal battle, Senior Advocate Diya Kapur, along with Advocates Akhil Sachhar, Nakul Gandhi, Darshit Sidhabhatti, Raghav Kumar, Nibedya, and Siddhi Sahoo, presented their arguments.
