NDMC issues public notice against Le Meridien hotel, threatens to cut water, power connections

The move comes days after the Delhi high court dismissed a plea of CJ International seeking a stay on eviction proceedings and coercive action by the NDMC over alleged non-payment of dues.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has issued a public notice against CJ International, operator of Delhi’s Le Meridien Hotel, threatening to cut its power and water connections over non-payment of dues to the tune of Rs605 crore.

Hotel Le Meridien in New Delhi

The move comes days after the Delhi high court dismissed a plea of CJ International seeking a stay on eviction proceedings and coercive action by the NDMC over alleged non-payment of dues.

According to the public notice, “CJ International Limited is defaulter of arrears about Rs605 crores (approximately)” and the council has asked people to deal with the hotel at “their own risk”.

“The licence deed between NDMC and M/s CJ International dated 14.07.1982 was terminated on March 2, 2017…. Whereas, time to time notices have been issued to M/s CJ International Ltd to make payments to NDMC and eviction proceedings were initiated under PP Act 1971 and same is pending…,” the notice read. A copy of the notice is with the Hindustan Times.

“M/s CJ International was put on notice on 27.7.2017 for coercive action that may be taken by NDMC including disconnection of electricity and water for non compliance of terms and conditions of licence deed. Now therefore, the general public/stakeholders may deal with the above entity/enterprise at their own risk,” it read.

When contacted, a hotel spokesperson said, “The Hon’able high court of Delhi vide their order dated May 18, 2001, in suit CS (OS) 610/2000 has directed NDMC, its employees and offices, refraining them from resorting to any coercive measures, including disconnection of essential amenities such as electricity ,water. This order has neither been varied nor set aside and continues to be in operation till date.”

Earlier on Monday, the high court had ordered de-sealing of a commercial tower on the Le Meridien premises, granting relief to more than 90 occupants of the building. This tower was sealed on Saturday by the NDMC, a day after the HC had dismissed the hotel’s plea seeking a stay on the eviction order.

There are two towers on the hotel premises out of which the smaller one had been sealed. The nine-floor building houses many national and international office complexes.

“Petitioners (occupants of the tower) have not been granted hearing or issued showcause notice. Hence order is not sustainable,” the court had said.