New Delhi: A court Tuesday dismissed Delhi Race Club’s plea seeking an interim stay, clearing the way for central govt to take over the plot at Lok Kalyan Marg. The club’s lease, granted in 1926, expired on Dec 31, 1994, and was never renewed, the court held.The club sought a stay on the eviction, contending that its long-term rent payments without any default amounted to a lease extension and that earlier legal victories barred fresh proceedings. But judge Pitamber Dutt noted, “Mere payment of rent after the expiry of the lease cannot be construed as renewal of lease deed.”The court also said “despite various opportunities, appellant didn’t file any reply nor put forth any plea before the estate officer, therefore, the estate officer has passed the order” based on the material before it on Aug 11, 2026.The club had also relied on a payment of nearly Rs 3.5 crore made on Aug 23, 2013, claiming it was towards the lease extension. The court, however, clarified that the amount was not towards future rent or lease extension, but represented damages recoverable up to July 4, 2013, as stated in a July 22, 2013, demand letter.The dispute concerns the club’s occupation of the 84-acre plot. Centre had argued that the lease was not renewed after its expiry on Dec 31, 1994, rendering the continued occupation unauthorised. In March, Centre issued a notice seeking peaceful possession of the land, stating that it was required for a “public purpose”.On April 17, proceedings were initiated under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, with a show-cause notice asking the club to explain why eviction and recovery for unauthorised occupation should not be ordered.The club challenged the notice before a Delhi High Court single-judge bench, which directed the authorities not to proceed further until July 30. Centre appealed against the order before a division bench, which allowed its appeal.
