Delhi HC Rejects Reliance Unit’s ₹4.6 Billion Summary Claim Against DDA Over Jasola Plot

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a ₹4.6 billion summary suit filed by Reliance Eminent Trading and Commercial against the Delhi Development Authority over a plot in Jasola, New Delhi.

The court ruled the case could not be decided summarily as oral evidence is required. It said Reliance failed to meet the dual conditions for a summary judgment: no real defence by DDA and no compelling reason for a full trial.

Reliance Eminent Trading, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries, was allotted the plot in 2008 after winning a DDA auction and paying in full. However, the company lost possession in 2016 when unknown persons, allegedly led by Sachin Bidhuri, forcibly occupied the land.

The court noted that the original owner of the land, Simla Devi, had secured a Supreme Court order in her favour in 2016. Reliance argued that DDA’s title was retrospectively invalid, warranting a refund.

The court disagreed, stating Reliance had to either return possession to DDA or prove that Simla Devi or her successor held legal possession to claim a refund. It also said Reliance failed to protect or recover the property despite being its legal possessor.

The main suit will now be heard on August 28.