The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) sealed and officially took possession of the iconic Roshanara club building in Shakti Nagar, north Delhi in the national capital. 

The DDA said that action for eviction and taking over possession of the premises of Roshanara Club Ltd. was carried out on Friday at sunrise (around 6:00 am) with the assistance of police and independent official witness by the Estate Officer along with other employees of DDA and possession of the premises has been taken over.

The Delhi Development Authority today evicted and took possession of the premises of Roshanara Club Ltd, the leases for which had expired 11 years back in 2012 and 6 years back in 2017. This action was taken under provisions of section 5 (2) of the The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971”, the DDA said in a statement.

“During the eviction proceedings, it was found that apart from illegally occupying land worth thousands of crores for years together, the management of the club had allowed about 3.5 acres of precious land, out of 23.29 acres land leased to the Club, to be encroached. The cost of the encroached land itself works out to more than `180 crore as per the prevalent circle rate.

The Management of the Club had also unauthorizedly let out land to nurseries and illegal hutments. Furthermore, Roshanara Club Ltd. has been in unauthorised occupation of the land for years together after expiry of the lease, for which it is to pay damages,” it said.

The DDA said it was found that the historic and iconic Club, land for which was leased for public purposes, and which holds the distinction of serving as the cradle of Indian Cricket, had off late become the private property of certain individuals.

“The Club building and the premise were in a state of total disrepair due to lack of maintenance and upkeep and the land allowed to be encroached by the Management was housing Jhuggis,” it said.

In its order, the DDA said, “Whereas the Deputy Director (OSB), DDA vide his letter dated January 19 this year forwarded to the Estate Officer the matter for initiation of eviction proceedings against Roshanara Club Ltd. under the PP Act, 1971 from its leased premises measuring 51062 Sq yard and 61688 Sq yard — total 112750 Sq yard that was allotted on annual rent basis for 30 years (extendable by 30+ 30 years, up to 90 years) to Roshanara Club Limited after expiry of the leases in August 2012 and December respectively; and whereas the Estate Officer, after hearing the representations of both parties, in exercise of powers conferred upon him under section 511] of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 passed an order dated April 12 this year against Roshanara Club Ltd through its Secretary and all the concerned persons who may be in unauthorised occupation of the said public premises or any part thereof to vacate the said public premises within 15 days from the date of issue of the order.”

The annual lease rent of the first lease was `100. For the second lease the annual lease rent was `3,200 for the last period of 30 years. Upon expiry of the final term of the lease, Roshanara Club Ltd., through its representatives, submitted representations for extension of these two leases but their request for extension was rejected.

The Roshanara Club Ltd. then challenged the eviction order dated 12.04.2023 before the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Tis Hazari Court.

The Principal District & Sessions Judge after hearing the case of both the parties pronounced its judgement dismissing the appeal of Roshanara Club Ltd. and upholding the eviction order dated 12.04.2023 passed by the Estate Officer/Central Zone.

The authority said in due compliance of the statutory provisions under PPE Act, 1971, an opportunity has been afforded, by way of written communication sent by e- mail, to the club authorities to remove the perishable items on 29.09.2023 between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm, to which they are yet to respond.

It said that the orders of Judge were conveyed by DDA to Estate Officer, Central Zone through a letter dated September 27; and whereas the Estate Officer in his order dated April 12 against Roshanara Club Ltd through its secretary and all the concerned persons who may be in unauthorised occupancy of the said public premises or any part thereof ordered to vacate the said public premises within 15 days from the date of issue of the order,” it said.