Kerala Club receives eviction notice over alleged rent dues

Established in 1939, the Kerala Club is staring at the possibility of losing its historic home at Delhi’s Connaught Place after receiving an eviction notice from its landlord over alleged non-payment of rent, prompting the organisation to prepare for a legal battle.

The Kerala Club was originally allotted the premises at Punj House in Connaught Place at a monthly rent of Rs 70, said its president, AJ Philip. In 2004, a dispute arose between the club and the landlord over the nominal rent, following which the matter reached the court. The court directed the club to pay a revised monthly rent of Rs 243.

According to the club, it has continued to pay the court-fixed rent of Rs 243 every month since then. One of the oldest clubs in the national capital, set up years before the formation of the state of Kerala, the club has been operating from its present premises since 1943.

Over the decades, it has emerged as a cultural and social hub for the Malayali community in Delhi, hosting literary events, music festivals and traditional celebrations.

Philip said the landlord-initiated eviction proceedings about three months ago, citing non-payment of rent, a claim the club has contested in court. Philip denied the allegation of rent default.

He said the dispute dates back to the early 2000s, when the landlord first sought to evict the club, and added that the matter is in the court and the first hearing is scheduled for July 28.

“They asked us to vacate the premises. We challenged it in court, which directed us to continue paying the rent after enhancing it. When we tried to pay the rent, it was not accepted,” he said. Philip said they started sending the rent through money orders to maintain a record, but those too were returned.