Double blow to Race Course Club in fight against eviction proceedings

The Delhi Race Course Club, which owns nearly 53 acres of land in the heart of Delhi, has faced a double blow in its fight against eviction proceedings. Firstly, the Supreme Court dismissed its appeal against a High Court order that had vacated a stay on the eviction initiated by the Centre. Secondly, a district court also refused to grant an interim stay on the eviction proceedings.

The eviction order was issued by the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office on August 11, directing the club to vacate the premises within 15 days, claiming it was an "unauthorized occupant." The club had challenged this order in the district court, but the court ruled that it had failed to present a prima facie case in its favor, dismissing the request for relief.

The club, which has owned the land since 1926, had initiated a legal challenge in 1999 for re-entry, which was set aside by the Delhi High Court in 2012. The club argued that its lease had been renewed after payment of Rs 3.48 crore in pending dues in 2013, but the Centre disagreed and initiated eviction proceedings under the Public Premises Act earlier this year.