In a significant relief to Hotel Le Meridien, the Delhi High Court has directed the concerned authorities to refrain from taking any coercive action regarding the renewal of the hotel’s eating house and lodging licenses.
Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court passed this interim order while hearing a plea filed by CJ International Hotels Limited, which manages Hotel Le Meridien located at Windsor Place, Janpath.
"Further, in the meantime, till the next date of hearing, respondents are restrained from taking any coercive action against the petitioners," the Court observed.
The hotel approached the Court challenging the demand made by authorities to furnish a Health Trade License from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) as a prerequisite for renewing the existing Eating House, Lodging, and Excise Licenses.
It was argued by the petitioner that this requirement was unjustified, especially since the Excise Licenses had already been renewed without objections in the past. They submitted that this new insistence on a Health Trade License was arbitrary and not in line with previous judicial directions.
The Court, noting the submissions, directed the authorities to continue processing the application for license renewal without demanding the Health Trade License.
"Respondents are directed to process the petitioners’ application for renewal of Eating House and Lodging License without insisting upon the Health Trade License," the Court ordered.
Additionally, the Court issued notice to the authorities and asked them to submit their reply within four weeks. The matter is now scheduled for hearing on August 5.
This interim protection ensures that Hotel Le Meridien can continue its operations without interruption until the matter is fully heard and decided.
Counsel for Petitioners: Mr. A. S. Chandiok, Sr. Adv., Mr. Shiv Sapra, Mr. Vishal Singh, Mr. Aviral Tripathi, Mr. Tanpreet Gulati, Advs
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Sandeep Tyagi, SPC and Mr. Aaksh, GP for R-1 and 2; Ms. Harshita Nathani, Adv. for Mr. Sameer Vashisht, SC, GNCTD for R- 3 and 4
Title: C J INTERNATIONAL HOTELS LTD & ORS v. JOINT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE LICENSING & ORS.
