Supreme Court Declines to Interfere in Delhi Race Club’s Challenge Against Eviction

On August 25, 2026, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, in a challenge raised by the Delhi Race Club against an eviction order, refused to intervene and directed the club to approach the jurisdictional District Judge for relief. After learning that an appeal, along with an application for interim relief, was already pending before that forum, the Bench allowed the club to approach the District Judge the same day.

The dispute concerns the Delhi Race Club’s occupation of an approximately 84-acre plot on Lok Kalyan Marg. According to the Centre, the club has continued to occupy the premises without authorisation since its lease expired. The Centre had argued that the lease granted to the club in 1926 expired on December 31, 1994, and had not since been renewed. In March 2026, the Centre issued a notice seeking peaceful possession of the land, stating that it was required for a “public purpose.” Subsequently, on April 17, 2026, the Centre initiated proceedings against the club under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

A Single Judge of the Delhi High Court had earlier stayed the eviction proceedings in favour of the club. However, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, on May 27, 2026, lifted the stay on proceedings under the 1971 Act, thereby clearing the way for the eviction process to continue. This Division Bench order, permitting the eviction proceedings to resume, formed the backdrop to the club’s subsequent approach to the Supreme Court.

Before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Delhi Race Club sought to challenge the eviction order passed pursuant to the revived proceedings under the 1971 Act. The Supreme Court has declined to intervene at this stage. Whether the club is entitled to interim protection against eviction, and the ultimate fate of its occupation now rests with the jurisdictional District Judge in the pending appellate proceedings.