The Central Secretariat Club, a historic establishment in New Delhi, is facing significant challenges as it seeks to contest an eviction order and the revocation of its recognition. Founded in 1919, the Club has played a notable role for over a century and was previously known as Talkatora Club. Its governing constitution allows for regular elections to an executive committee, which is responsible for management and decision-making within the organisation.

Recent developments have led to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) rescinding the Club’s recognition, coupled with an eviction directive from the Directorate of Estates. The government cited governance, financial, and administrative irregularities as the primary reasons for these actions.

Court Proceedings and Plea Details

The Club’s case is being presented by Senior Advocate Diya Kapur, who has argued that the derecognition order is legally flawed and problematic in nature. Kapur stated that the order was executed without adequate notice or opportunity for the Club to respond, a situation she deemed unjust. Furthermore, the eviction order was issued shortly after the derecognition, prompting her to request that the court maintain the status quo regarding the Club’s occupancy.

Allegations and Contestation of Orders

The plea notably contests the derecognition order from July 2023, and the eviction order from July 2023. The Club asserts that an ad hoc committee, originally appointed for a temporary duration to oversee elections in March 2023, has extended its authority without the legitimate mandate, leading to various operational issues.

Several allegations have surfaced regarding the functioning of the ad hoc committee, including late GST returns, unpaid electricity charges, and inconsistencies in the management of bar operations, among others. The Club claims these irregularities have been repeatedly highlighted to relevant authorities, yet no action has been taken.

Moreover, the petition indicates that the DoPT had issued an office memorandum on February 2023, withdrawing the Club’s recognition without providing a prior notice. The Club contested this action in court, which led to an order treating that memorandum as a notice, thereby allowing the Club an opportunity to respond. Despite their efforts to submit a comprehensive representation, the DoPT issued a new derecognition order, further aggravating the situation.

As part of its petition, the Club seeks to overturn both the derecognition and eviction orders, asserting that it has not been granted fair treatment and has been unjustly classified as an unauthorised occupant of its premises following the withdrawal of its allotment. The High Court’s upcoming hearing on August 24 will determine the course of this matter.

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