- 04 August, 2026
New Delhi, August 4, 2026: The 107-year-old Central Secretariat Club, formerly known as Talkatora Club, has moved the Delhi High Court against an eviction order issued by the government, marking the latest legal battle involving one of the capital’s historic clubs.
The Club, established in 1919, has challenged both the Department of Personnel and Training’s (DoPT) decision to withdraw its recognition and a subsequent order directing it to vacate the premises.
The Estate Officer issued the eviction order on July 17, three days after the DoPT withdrew the Club’s recognition on July 14.
The Club has alleged that the Directorate of Estates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs physically locked the premises and took possession on July 21. In its petition, filed through advocate Nakul Gandhi, the Club described the action as an unlawful dispossession carried out without following due process.
The petition argues that the action was taken despite the Club holding what it describes as a permanent allotment dating back to June 8, 1926. It has sought the quashing of both the derecognition and eviction orders and has requested interim protection against their operation.
The matter is listed before the Delhi High Court on August 4.
Government cites alleged violations
The DoPT, in its July 14 office memorandum, said the decision to withdraw recognition was taken in view of what it described as “constant violations” and prima facie evidence of “significant undesirable and illegitimate/untoward activities”.
The government also alleged that the Club had not had a “valid and legally constituted management committee” since July 14, 2025, despite repeated reminders.
Another concern cited by the DoPT was the Club’s membership profile. According to the government, the institution had failed to maintain a meaningful and representative membership of serving Central government employees, despite several thousand eligible employees living in the Delhi-NCR region.
The DoPT further said participation by government employees in the Club’s activities had remained negligible, suggesting that the institution was no longer effectively serving its stated purpose of promoting the welfare, recreation and cultural interests of government employees.
The government also alleged that certain office-bearers and Executive Committee members had facilitated or protected unauthorised occupation and encroachment of government property under the Club’s possession.
Long history of recognition disputes
The Club was established in 1919 as the Talkatora Club. In 1962, following a decision of its general body, it was taken over by the Ministry of Home Affairs and subsequently renamed the Central Secretariat Club.
Its membership rules were designed primarily for serving Central government employees and retired or superannuated government personnel, with the institution intended to cater particularly to lower- and middle-level government officers.
The DoPT first recognised the Club in 1964. That recognition was withdrawn in 1971 following complaints but restored in November 1972.
The Club faced another setback in 1983 after complaints relating to drinking and gambling on its premises. Recognition was withdrawn in December that year, although the Club continued operating from the premises for nearly two decades.
Recognition was restored in December 2005, subject to conditions that allowed the government to withdraw it if there was preliminary evidence of untoward activities or violations of prescribed conditions.
Administrative disputes
The Club’s administrative functioning also came under government scrutiny in recent years.
In March 2023, the DoPT cited alleged administrative and financial irregularities, including the failure to hold a General Body meeting since March 2013 despite a requirement for annual meetings.
The department subsequently constituted an ad hoc administrative committee to oversee the Club’s day-to-day affairs and streamline its functioning. The committee was also authorised to function as the Executive Committee.
Elections were held in July 2024, resulting in the formation of a new managing committee that included three members nominated by the DoPT. Disputes subsequently emerged over the transfer of charge, functioning of the Executive Committee, alleged misuse of position and financial irregularities.
On February 24, 2026, the DoPT issued another memorandum withdrawing the Club’s recognition, citing alleged violations including failure to conduct elections.
The memorandum also referred to allegations concerning the death of a retired government employee after consuming alcohol on the premises, an unauthorised canteen, cash-based gambling, consumption of personal liquor in the parking area and alleged discriminatory treatment of lower-level staff.
The Club challenged the action before the Delhi High Court and was allowed to respond to the government’s memorandum. It denied the allegations, describing them as “false, cryptic and unfounded”.
After considering the Club’s response, the DoPT reaffirmed its decision to withdraw recognition on July 14.
The latest dispute now places the future of one of Delhi’s oldest government-linked clubs before the High Court, with the Club seeking protection against eviction and restoration of its recognition.
News Credits: The New Indian Express
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
