The Delhi High Court has recently ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refrain from taking any forceful measures against the Roshanara Club, despite the expiry of its lease.
Justice Mini Pushkarna issued the order after acknowledging that the club has been in existence for over a century and has played a significant role in promoting various sports and providing access to national-level players to play on its grounds.
Furthermore, the judge noted that the club has not been accused of any misuse of the property or non-payment of fees to the DDA. The court’s decision is based on the club’s long-standing contribution to society and its commitment to fostering sports.
“The only ground for taking action against the petitioner club is that the lease of the petitioner has expired. In view of the aforesaid detailed discussion, it is directed that no coercive steps be taken against the petitioner club solely on the ground that the lease of the petitioner club has already expired,” the order stated.
The Roshanara Club was established in 1922 by a group of British bureaucrats and emerging Indian elite.
Recently, on April 12, 2023, the DDA issued an eviction order to the club. The court was informed that the club had made efforts to renew its lease in August 2018, and the DDA responded that the proposal was under consideration.
However, the court reviewed the case and found that the DDA had not made a final decision regarding its plan and policy on the renewal of long-term expired leases.
The bench also observed that the DDA had renewed the lease of Delhi Golf Club when its lease deed had expired in 2018, in similar circumstances.
Consequently, Justice Pushkarna granted the petitioning club interim relief and permitted them to explore available legal options against the eviction order.
