In fresh notice to Roshanara Club, DDA seeks over Rs 2k crore in damages

During the British Raj, the Secretary of State for India in Council granted Roshanara Club Limited two premium-free leases on an annual rent basis for 30 years each, with the option to extend each lease for two additional periods of 30 years, totaling a maximum of 90 years. The first lease began in September 1922, and the second in January 1928.

The club was given a total area of 23.29 acres under these leases. Importantly, there were no provisions in the lease agreements for renewal or extension beyond the 90-year limit. Consequently, both leases expired in August 2012, and December 2017, respectively.

According to the notice served by the DDA, the Roshanara Club is liable for Rs 1133.6 crore for occupying one parcel of land from May 1, 2013, to September 30, 2023. For the second parcel, the club owes Rs 757 crore for its continued use beyond the lease period from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2023, the notice further stated.

In addition to the principal amounts, a 7% interest has been imposed, resulting in an additional Rs 594.76 crore.

The president of the Roshanara Club, Manish Aggarwal, expressed surprise at the sudden demand for damages, stating, “We had never received any notice for damages before, so why the sudden demand?” Aggarwal accused the DDA of employing pressure tactics and highlighted that the court had previously instructed against coercive actions on the club.

“We have sent a letter to the DDA with our response, and if they persist, we’ll take the matter to court,” Aggarwal said.