Delhi High Court Orders Sealing of UNI Office After Dismissing Eviction Plea
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a plea by news agency UNI against an eviction order, leading to the immediate sealing of its office in central Delhi. The court upheld the decision by the Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), citing a 45-year failure by UNI to fulfil the conditions of its land allotment.
Court Criticizes UNI for Holding Public Land Hostage
In a detailed 98-page order, Justice Sachin Datta strongly condemned UNI's conduct, stating that the agency had effectively held valuable public land hostage by not meeting its obligations for decades. The court emphasized that the cancellation of the allotment was fully justified and legally inevitable, as UNI failed to construct an office complex on the land at No. 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, as required since 1979.
Justice Datta remarked, "Such conduct strikes at the very foundation of the allotment framework governing public land. The bench simply cannot countenance a situation where prime public land continues to be occupied for decades without fulfilment of the conditions of licence."
UNI's Defenses and Court's Rebuttal
During the proceedings, UNI attempted to shift blame, arguing that government agencies delayed granting construction permissions and that co-owner Press Council of India failed to build the office. The agency also mentioned undergoing a corporate insolvency resolution process, with The Statesman Ltd's plan accepted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
However, the court dismissed these claims, noting that the facts clearly showed a complete and abject failure to achieve the allotment's purpose. "What is indisputably clear is that, despite the passage of several decades, there has been a failure to construct, at its own cost, a multi-storied office complex over the land," the order stated.
Court Directs L&DO to Ensure Vigilance on Public Land
The judgment also criticized the L&DO for its delay in taking action, directing it to enforce conditional allotments with due diligence and promptitude. "Public authorities must remain vigilant to ensure that land is utilised strictly in accordance with the purpose for which it is allotted and that deviations are addressed timely," the court added, highlighting the need for institutional rigour in managing public assets.
Eviction and Allegations of Police Misconduct
Following the court order, a senior Delhi Police officer confirmed that a team was deployed to provide security during the sealing process. UNI, however, made allegations on social media, claiming staff were forcibly evicted, female journalists were manhandled, and some police personnel were intoxicated. Police have denied all these claims, maintaining that the operation was conducted lawfully.
The L&DO has now barred entry to the office without its permission, marking the end of a long-standing legal battle over the misuse of public land in the heart of the capital.
