Delhi HC Dismisses Plea Seeking to Reopen Roshanara Club

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking the reopening of the century-old Roshanara Club, which was sealed by the Delhi Development Authority in September this year. The court noted that it had previously instructed the authority to devise a scheme for its operation.

A bench comprising former Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gadela observed that the Supreme Court had also rejected restoring possession to the earlier management. The issue of operating the club was already under consideration by the high court.

The bench addressed a petition filed by some club members, seeking to declare the sealing of the premises on September 29 as unconstitutional and a violation of the fundamental and statutory rights of the club, its members, and employees.

“In the considered opinion of this Court, as this Court is already dealing with the issue of running the club, and the writ petition is also pending on the subject, no interim order can be granted in the present writ petition,” the bench stated.

“Before the Hon’ble Supreme Court also, a prayer was made to restore possession to the Roshanara Club, and the relief was not granted in the matter. Now, a petition has been filed by certain persons who are members of the club. In view thereof, CM APPL. 58620/2023 (Seeking Opening the Premises) stands dismissed,” the court ordered.

The DDA’s counsel informed the court that the authority is finalizing a scheme for the smooth running of the club, and it will be completed at an early date. The court directed the matter to be listed for a hearing on December 7.

On September 29, DDA officials sealed the Roshanara Club and took possession of it. This action occurred nearly six months after the DDA served an “eviction notice” on the club as its lease had expired.

Established on August 15, 1922, the historic club celebrated its centenary last year. Renowned for its natural beauty, green landscapes, and colonial-era charm, the club in north Delhi has become one of the most prestigious clubs in the country.

While handling DDA’s appeal against a single-judge bench’s order protecting the club from coercive action related to the lease expiry, the bench on October 6 instructed the authority to formulate a scheme outlining the proposed course of action for the club’s functioning and management, considering they had already taken possession.