New Delhi: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) upheld its decision to withdraw recognition from the Central Secretariat Club (CSC) after a three-member committee, constituted following directions of the Delhi High Court, found the earlier action to be “fair and justified.”
According to an Office Memorandum issued by the DoPT, the Delhi High Court, in its order dated April 2, 2026, had directed the department to give the club an opportunity to present its case. The club submitted its representation on April 15, 2026, following which a three-member Representation Evaluation Committee was constituted on April 23, 2026 to examine the matter.
After reviewing the representation, the committee recommended that the department’s earlier decision be upheld. Accepting the recommendation, the DoPT reiterated that the withdrawal of the club’s recognition was justified.
The recognition of the club was initially withdrawn on February 24, 2026, over alleged violations including financial irregularities, withholding of information, illegal gambling activities, discriminatory treatment of lower-level staff, and other administrative lapses. Following the decision, the Directorate of Estates cancelled the allotment of the government-owned land on which the club operates and initiated eviction proceedings.
Established in 1919, the Central Secretariat Club, located on Park Street near Talkatora Road, New Delhi, functions under the aegis of the DoPT and caters to serving and retired Central government employees.
Meanwhile, club officials have disputed the allegations, claiming they were not given adequate opportunity to present their case before the committee. They have indicated that they will once again approach the Delhi High Court seeking legal relief.
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