Ailing Delhi Woman Takes Elite Siri Fort Club to Court Over ‘Arbitrary’ Suspension

The Delhi High Court has admitted a petition filed by 51-year-old corporate executive Poonam Chandel, who has challenged her suspension from the prestigious Siri Fort Sports Complex, a facility run by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

Chandel, an alumna of St. Bede's College, Shimla and the Managing Director of Neu World Spirits, approached the court after her six-month suspension was announced by the Siri Fort disciplinary committee earlier this year. The suspension followed an incident at the club's gym, which she claims has been misrepresented and unfairly adjudicated.

The Case in Court

The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for a detailed hearing in January 2026, after admitting Chandel's writ petition that accuses the committee of acting beyond its jurisdiction and violating principles of natural justice.

Her primary contention is that the Siri Fort Sports Complex bye-laws contain no provision for suspending membership, making the decision arbitrary. Chandel has also alleged harassment and defamation, pointing out that the committee circulated its suspension order among fellow members.

Ailing at the Time of Incident

Adding weight to her argument, Chandel has highlighted that she was undergoing treatment for severe gastroenteritis at Max Saket hospital around the period of the alleged confrontation in June this year. She argues that CCTV footage provided to her shows no evidence of manhandling, contrary to the committee's claims.

Grounds of Challenge

Chandel has built her challenge on seven major grounds, including:

Non-supply of the complaint copy filed by the other member, Prachi Dutta.

No disclosure of the disciplinary committee's composition.

Failure to provide bye-laws governing the inquiry process.

Non-disclosure of the "competent authority" behind the decision.

No written findings shared with her.

Her counter-complaint only accepted in handwritten form, not via email.

Legal experts suggest that if the High Court finds merit in her petition, the ruling could set a precedent for similar clubs and sports complexes across the country, especially those operating under public bodies like the DDA.

For now, the matter rests with the Delhi High Court, which will hear Chandel's plea early next year. Meanwhile, the Siri Fort Sports Complex management has not issued an official response to her allegations.