NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Friday expressed support for the possibility of reopening the historic Roshanara Club, which has been closed to its members.
This closure occurred after the premises were sealed and taken over by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) last month. This action was taken nearly six months after the club received an eviction notice due to the expiration of its lease.
A panel led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma asserted that Roshanara Club is an active establishment, and therefore, its members should be allowed to utilize its amenities.
The court urged for immediate action, stating, "I want the club to reopen without delay and become fully operational."
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), reassured the court that the club has not been permanently shuttered. Instead, only the management has transitioned to the government, and they plan to reopen the outer area within one week while pledging to operate it more effectively.
Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting sports in the country and citing the achievements of Indian athletes at the ongoing Asian Games, the senior law officer argued that the prime area of Roshanara should be utilized for "inclusive" purposes rather than serving the interests of an "exclusive elite group."
ASG Sharma clarified, "The club itself remains intact; only the management has undergone a change. Its members will still have access. We are committed to running it effectively and transforming it into a world-class facility. Our action is simply reclaiming our land."
He added, "We will safeguard the interests of the existing members, but it's important to recognize that the government cannot be restricted from allowing deserving individuals from outside to access the club."
The previous club management argued that the club's takeover contradicted the ruling of a single judge of the high court and should not be upheld, particularly when their request for lease renewal was still pending.
The ASG responded firmly, stating, "We have no intention of renewing the lease. The lease has expired, and that's final. The government will take charge and operate the club." However, he did acknowledge that the authorities might explore the possibility of seeking cooperation from the previous management to oversee its operations.
The bench, which includes Justice Sanjeev Narula, announced that it will issue an order regarding this matter.
The court was addressing an appeal filed by the DDA earlier this year. This appeal was lodged in response to a ruling by a single judge of the high court that shielded the club from any forceful measures in connection with the expiration of its lease.
The historic Roshanara Club, founded on August 15, 1922, celebrated its centenary last year. Situated in North Delhi, the club is renowned for its natural beauty, lush green landscapes, and colonial-era elegance. It holds a distinguished status as one of the most prestigious clubs in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
