Delhi High Court halts Sujan Singh Park takeover until plea decided

The Delhi High Court has temporarily prevented the government from taking control of the northern part of Sujan Singh Park, including the Ambassador hotel, until a legal challenge by Sir Sobha Singh and Sons is resolved. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna ordered that the status quo be maintained, as the district court's order allowing the government to issue an eviction notice cannot be used to start or continue proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act.

This decision halts the government's attempt to seize the premises. Sir Sobha Singh and Sons has been involved in a legal battle with the government since 1960, with the Ambassador Hotel having operated since 1950. The northern block of Sujan Singh Park was initially built under a registered Agreement to Lease signed on October 8, 1945, with the government agreeing to provide a perpetual lease once the buildings were completed.

Sir Sobha Singh and Sons were required to construct residential blocks, including three for officials and non-officials of good standing. In 1960, the government alleged misuse and breaches, leading to a civil court suit seeking an injunction. The case continued until 2009, when the civil court ruled that the building was constructed as per the government's instructions and there was no misuse.

The government appealed this decision to a district court, which overturned the civil court's order on July 9. A day before the district court's ruling was announced, the government issued an eviction notice, labeling the company as an "unauthorised occupant" and demanding possession of the land.