The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its judgement on an appeal against an earlier single judge verdict upholding the New Delhi Municipal Corporation's (NDMC) decision to auction the Taj Mansingh Hotel in New Delhi.
The dispute between Indian Hotels (the owners of the Taj group) and the NDMC arises out of a 1976 collaboration agreement for the development and management of the over 35-year-old five-star property. Although the initial agreement had expired in 2011, several extensions had been allowed to Taj to continue its business.
NDMC's decision to now auction the property, instead of renewing the agreement or providing any further extensions has lead to the challenge in the high court.