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SC sets aside Delhi HC order to evict Sujan Singh Park premises
The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court ruling that directed eviction of the Centre from residential premises at Sujan Singh Park. It held the occupancy is governed by the Government Grant regime, not the DRC Act, and affirmed the supremacy of the Government Grants Act over the Delhi Rent Control Act. The case traces to a 1945 lease initiated by the government and later eviction petitions filed in 1991.
Why It Matters
The ruling clarifies which legal framework applies to government-occupied housing, potentially limiting eviction actions under standard landlord-tenant laws and reinforcing grants-based terms in similar arrangements.
Timeline
3 Events
Supreme Court verdict sets aside Delhi High Court eviction order
April 22, 2026
The Supreme Court bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra held that the centre's occupation of residential premises at Sujan Singh Park is not governed by the DRC Act but by the terms of the Government Grant dating to 1945. It upheld the Government Grants Act, 1895 over the Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958, and held that the DRC Act does not apply to the present lis, thereby eroding the foundation of the eviction proceedings. The decision implies that government-occupied arrangements are immune to DRC Act provisions and fall under the grant terms.
Eviction petition filed by Sir Sobha Singh and Sons
1991
In 1991, Sir Sobha Singh and Sons Pvt Ltd filed an eviction petition alleging that the government had defaulted on rent payments during 1989–1991, triggering proceedings that would later be reviewed by the courts.
Perpetual lease deed for Sujan Singh Park executed
April 26, 1945
A perpetual lease deed was executed on April 26, 1945, by the Governor General in Council in favour of Sir Sobha Singh and Sons Pvt Ltd, covering 7.58 acres for the construction of about 100 residential flats. The lease included a clause that the central government reserved the right to have 50 percent of the flats leased to its officials at a 'fair rent'.