New Delhi

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Centre's response to petitions filed by members and employees of the Delhi Gymkhana Club challenging a show-cause notice proposing their eviction from the club's 27.3-acre premises on Safdarjung Road.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Union government on applications seeking an interim stay on the operation of the eviction notice. The court also requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure that the proceedings before the Estate Officer, scheduled for July 7, are deferred until after the next hearing in the High Court on July 28.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Mehta informed the court that the government would file its reply to the applications.

Referring to the hearing before the Estate Officer, Mehta said the petitioners could seek an adjournment there. Justice Jhingan, however, observed, "Mr Mehta, we are keeping this for the date already fixed. Please ensure that the Estate Officer's hearing is adjourned beyond that date."

The applications have been moved by club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd Staff Welfare Association as part of their pending challenge to the Land and Development Office's (L&DO) order dated May 22.

The L&DO had terminated the club's perpetual lease and directed it to hand over possession of the land by June 5, citing the need to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure.

On June 29, the L&DO, functioning under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, issued a show-cause notice asking the club to explain why eviction proceedings should not be initiated under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

The notice, issued by Estate Officer Bipin Kumar Singh, directed the club and all occupants of the premises to submit their replies by July 7 and appear for a personal hearing the same day at 2.30 pm.

ALSO READ: Rani Khanam broke barriers to become India's top Muslim Kathak dancer

The latest development follows the Centre's assurance before the Delhi High Court on May 26 that it would not take forcible possession of the property by the June 5 deadline. At the time, Solicitor General Mehta had told the court that the government would acquire possession of the land strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law.