A Delhi court has refused to grant interim relief to the Delhi Race Club, declining to stay an eviction order passed by the Estate Officer under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
Principal District & Sessions Judge Pitamber Dutt of the Patiala House Courts observed that the Delhi Race Club had been afforded sufficient opportunities to file its reply and evidence before the Estate Officer but failed to do so. The court noted that records indicated the club had received a copy of the plaint and was repeatedly granted opportunities to present its case.
The club argued that the eviction proceedings violated principles of natural justice, claiming that a copy of the plaint had not been supplied despite repeated requests. It further contended that the proceedings were barred by earlier litigation and that continued payment of rent, along with a lease-extension deposit made in 2013, indicated renewal of the lease.
Opposing the plea, the Union of India submitted that the lease had expired on December 31, 1994, and was never renewed. The government maintained that the club's occupation thereafter was only on a month-to-month basis and that the Estate Officer had duly supplied the plaint and provided multiple opportunities to respond.
After examining the record, the court found no prima facie case warranting a stay of the eviction order dated August 11, 2026. Consequently, the application seeking interim protection was dismissed.
The main appeal filed by the Delhi Race Club remains pending and is scheduled for hearing on September 26, 2026.
Case Title: Delhi Race Club (1940) Ltd. v. Union of India & Anr.
Case No.: PPA No. 19/2026