No Coercive Action Against Hotel Le Meridien On License Issue: Delhi High Court To Authorities

The Delhi High Court has restrained the city authorities from taking any coercive action against Hotel Le Meridien, which sought to renew its eating house and lodging license.

Justice Sachin Datta directed the authorities to process the hotel's application for renewal of the eating house and lodging license, without insisting on a health trade license.

“Further, in the meantime, till the next date of hearing, respondents are restrained from taking any coercive action against the petitioners,” the Court said.

Justice Datta was dealing with a plea filed by CJ International Hotels Limited, which runs Hotel Le Meridien located at Windsor Place, Janpath.

The plea sought to restrain the authorities from calling upon the hotel to furnish Health Trade License pertaining to the already renewed Excise Licenses.

The petitioners submitted that in order to serve alcoholic beverages and for the purpose of running restaurant, the hotel is required to obtain a valid Eating House License and Lodging License.

It was submitted that the authorities insistence on the production of a valid Health Trade Licence from the NDMC as a pre-condition for renewing the hotel's Eating House License and Lodging License and the Excise Licence.

It was submitted that despite judicial orders, the authorities sought to illegally deny the renewal of Eating House License and Lodging License to the hotel.

The Court issued notice in the plea and directed the authorities to file response within four weeks.

The matter will now be heard on August 05.

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.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 459

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