New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has reaffirmed its decision to withdraw recognition from the Central Secretariat Club (CSC) after a three-member committee, constituted in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court, concluded that the department’s earlier action was “fair and justified.”
The decision was conveyed through an Office Memorandum issued on July 14, 2026, bringing the departmental review process to a close while paving the way for a fresh legal challenge by the club.
Delhi High Court-Directed Review
The review was initiated following the Delhi High Court’s order dated April 2, 2026, which directed the DoPT to provide the Central Secretariat Club an opportunity to present its case before taking a final view on the withdrawal of recognition.
In compliance with the court’s directions, the club submitted its representation on April 15, 2026. Subsequently, the DoPT constituted a three-member Representation Evaluation Committee on April 23, 2026 to examine the representation and review the earlier decision.
After considering the club’s submissions and examining the relevant records, the committee recommended that the department’s earlier decision should stand. Accepting the recommendation, the DoPT upheld the withdrawal of recognition.
Recognition Withdrawn in February
The Central Secretariat Club’s recognition had originally been withdrawn on February 24, 2026, following allegations of multiple irregularities.
According to the department, the action was taken over:
- Alleged financial irregularities
- Withholding of information
- Alleged illegal gambling activities
- Alleged discriminatory treatment of lower-level staff
- Administrative and governance lapses
Following the withdrawal of recognition, the Directorate of Estates also cancelled the allotment of the government-owned land occupied by the club and initiated eviction proceedings.
A Century-Old Institution
Established in 1919, the Central Secretariat Club is located on Park Street near Talkatora Road in New Delhi. Functioning under the aegis of the DoPT, the club has traditionally served both serving and retired Central government employees by providing recreational, sports and social facilities.
The club has long been regarded as one of the prominent recreational institutions for Central government personnel in the national capital.
Club Plans Fresh Legal Challenge
Despite the committee’s findings, officials associated with the Central Secretariat Club have contested the decision.
According to club representatives, they were not provided an adequate opportunity to present their case before the evaluation committee. Maintaining that the review process was not conducted fairly, they have indicated their intention to once again approach the Delhi High Court seeking legal relief against the department’s decision.
The latest development is expected to prolong the legal dispute over the future of the century-old institution.
