Justice Prateek Jalan of the Delhi High Court has recused from hearing the Gymkhana Club staff plea against the Centre’s eviction notice, saying he would be more comfortable if another Bench heard the matter.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
New Delhi: Justice Prateek Jalan of the Delhi High Court has recused himself from hearing the Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association’s plea challenging the Centre’s eviction notice [Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association v. Union of India and Others].
Explaining his decision from the Bench, Justice Jalan said:
“I would be more comfortable if somebody else hears this.”
The background
The Staff Welfare Association is among the parties that have moved the High Court against the Centre’s notice seeking eviction from the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises. The Centre has earlier told the High Court that eviction would follow only after due notice and process. No reasons for the recusal were recorded in the proceedings as they were reported, and the Court has expressed no view on the merits of the plea.
What happens next
With the recusal, the plea will now be placed before the Chief Justice for allocation to another Bench in line with the roster.
Why the order matters
A recusal is a judge’s own call and carries no finding on the case. It does, however, mean a fresh listing before another Bench in a dispute that concerns the future of a large Lutyens estate and the livelihoods of club staff.
Case Title: Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association v. Union of India and Others
Bench: Justice Prateek Jalan, Delhi High Court
Date: October 7, 2026