 "Indian Hotels seek details of HomeMin, NDMC meeting")
IHCL moved a plea in this regard in the high court here on Thursday.
While the court has asked NDMC “to do the needful”, the council would decide whether it wants to file a counter petition or hand over the documents to the hotel company. IHCL has sought the details of the meeting to assess its impact on the lease agreement of the Taj Mahal Hotel.
The court has adjourned the next hearing on the case to January 21.
In April, IHCL had filed an injunction suit to get a stay against the auction of the Taj Mahal Hotel property. After the property’s lease expired October 10, NDMC provided an extension of six months, the second time the hotel company was given an extension.
While NDMC is grappling with the stay order in the court, it is yet to get clarity on whether to give the first right of refusal during the auction to the Taj group. The bidding process requires the home ministry provides instructions and forwards the Solicitor General’s opinion to NDMC. The council has sought the top law officer’s view on whether or the first right of refusal.
The Taj group says it cannot be treated as a mere licensee that can be replaced after the end of a term. Though the land belongs to NDMC, Indian Hotels has invested money in the construction of the hotel building. It, therefore, claims to have equity in the property.