The Union government has started eviction proceedings against the Sujan Singh Park North complex in New Delhi, citing a 1960 lease termination for breaches. The company running the property, which includes the Ambassador Hotel, has challenged the move in court.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ Land and Development Office issued an eviction notice on June 11 to Sir Sobha Singh and Sons under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. The notice stated that the 1945 lease for the 7.58-acre property had been re-entered on August 5, 1960, due to breaches of lease clauses, with no renewal since then.
Sir Sobha Singh and Sons moved the Delhi High Court against the notice and a June 9 district court judgment. On Wednesday, the government told the High Court it would not rely on the district court judgment for the eviction proceedings. Justice Tejas Karia recorded the assurance and posted the matter for July 23.
The company’s advocate said the firm would present its position to the Estate Officer on Friday. The dispute dates back to 1960, with the Supreme Court ruling in April that the property was a government grant, followed by a Rs 940 crore demand notice on April 30.
