New Delhi, July 28 -- The Central government has urged the Delhi High Court not to halt eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club, contending that the dispute must be decided under the statutory mechanism provided by the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

According to the Centre, once proceedings have been initiated under the Act, the Estate Officer alone has the authority to examine objections relating to the lease, public purpose and eviction, while any appeal lies before the designated appellate authority.

The stand was taken in a reply filed through Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Ashish Dixit in response to applications moved by Club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club...