53.242 acres near Race Course, close to PM's residence, taken over, handed over to CPWD

By Sushil Batra
New Delhi [India], August 27 (ANI): Authorities on Thursday took over 53.242 acres of land near the Race Course area, close to the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi, and handed over the property to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for its care and maintenance.
The takeover takes place on August 27, 2026, in compliance with the Estate Service Organisation (ESO) order dated August 11 and the subsequent order/letter dated August 26. The handing-over and taking-over document records that the land is resumed on an "as is, where is" basis.
The Land & Development Office (L&DO) hands over the property to the Executive Engineer, E-Division, CPWD. Officials of the L&DO and CPWD sign the document to formally record the taking over and handing over of the 53.242-acre land.
The action follows the August 25 order of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, New Delhi District, Patiala House Courts, in the proceedings arising out of the eviction order passed by the Estate Officer on August 11, 2026. The court dismisses the application moved by Delhi Race Club (1940) Ltd. seeking an interim stay on the Estate Officer's order.
The court records that the Estate Officer has given the Delhi Race Club several opportunities to file its reply and evidence. However, the club fails to file its reply and evidence despite the opportunities, following which the Estate Officer proceeds on the basis of the material available on record.
The court also considers the club's contention that it has not been given a proper opportunity to present its case. The court does not accept the contention and records that the proceedings show that sufficient opportunities have been given to the club.
The proceedings relate to eviction under Section 5 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. The court records that a notice dated March 12, 2026, has earlier been issued asking the Delhi Race Club to vacate the premises and hand over peaceful possession to the L&DO within 15 days.
On the lease issue, the court notes that the lease granted to the Delhi Race Club has not been renewed after 1994 by execution of any document. The court also refers to the Supreme Court judgment in Delhi Development Authority vs Anand Raj Agencies Private Limited and observes that mere payment of rent after expiry of a lease does not by itself amount to renewal of the lease.
The court accordingly finds that the Delhi Race Club fails to establish a prima facie case for granting an interim stay and dismisses its application. The main matter is listed for September 26, 2026.
The Union of India is represented in the proceedings by Advocate Ashish K. Dixit, Central Government Standing Counsel. The proceedings before the courts concern the government's action relating to the Race Course land and the Delhi Race Club's challenge to the eviction proceedings. (ANI)