UNI office sealed in Delhi after High Court order; L&DO cites cancelled 1979 allotment

United News of India said its office on Rafi Marg in Delhi was sealed by the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs following a Delhi High Court order. UNI alleged staff mistreatment, while police said the legal process was followed and videographed. The dispute relates to a 1979 land allotment cancelled in March 2023.

Authorities sealed the United News of India (UNI) office at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi. The action followed a Delhi High Court order dated 20.03.2026. Police were deployed in strength during the process on Friday. UNI called the sealing an attack on press freedom. UNI also alleged misconduct by some police personnel.

A notice pasted at the office stated: "The premises at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi has been taken over by the Government of India on 20.03.2026 pursuant to the judgment dated 20.03.2026 of the Honble High Court of Delhi. Any entry, occupation, or use of the said premises by any person without authorization of L&DO is strictly prohibited and will invite action under law,\"

UNI office sealing and Delhi High Court order

Delhi Police reached the UNI premises to carry out sealing after the court ruling. The Delhi High Court dismissed UNI’s petition against cancellation of its land allotment. The case related to an L&DO order directing UNI to vacate. The court upheld the cancellation and allowed officials to take possession. UNI cited financial limits and approvals delays, but the court rejected this.

Deputy Commissioner of Police New Delhi Sachin Sharma said the process followed the law. Sachin Sharma said there were no wrongdoings during the operation. Sachin Sharma said the entire action was videographed. UNI, however, alleged that women staff members were manhandled. UNI also claimed some staff were forced out without collecting belongings.

UNI office sealing and staff allegations

UNI said its staff were forcibly evicted during the sealing. UNI alleged several people were not allowed to take personal items. UNI also claimed women journalists were manhandled by Delhi Police teams. UNI further alleged some police personnel were intoxicated on duty. UNI said two lawyers and police personnel abused several individuals during the episode.

In a purported video shared on X, a woman personnel is seen allegedly manhandling a woman journalist. The footage shows the journalist losing balance and falling to the ground. A voice in the background objects, saying, \"Ye kya kar rahi ho madam, haath-pair toot jayega What are you doing madam, this can cause an injury and Ye kya tareeka hai what is this behaviour.\"

UNI office sealing and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said due process was followed. The land allotment was made in 1979 for a composite office complex. L&DO cancelled the allotment in March 2023 after issuing a show-cause notice. Officials said UNI failed to construct the office for over 40 years. Officials said the court found a fundamental breach of conditions.

Officials said UNI received multiple extensions but did not complete key steps. Officials said UNI did not finalise plans or start development work. Officials also said UNI did not enter agreements with co-allottees. Officials said the court noted UNI’s admission of financial incapacity and lack of intent. After the 20.03.2026 order, officials said physical possession was taken.

UNI office sealing and land value details

Officials said the land measures about 5,289.52 sq. metres at 9, Rafi Marg. Officials estimated the land value at about Rs 409 crore. The estimate used an indicative rate of Rs 7,74,000 per sq. metre. Officials said this reflected high public value. Officials also claimed UNI did not pay ground rent for decades.

Officials said the court noted issues beyond construction delays. These included non-cooperation in joint development with the Press Council of India. Officials also cited unauthorised commercial use and attempts to lease parts of the land. They said control moved to a private entity after insolvency proceedings. Officials said the court treated this as an unauthorised change in purpose.

UNI office sealing and reactions on X

The Statesman, described as the current owner of UNI, criticised the action in a post on X. \"In an unprecedented atrocity and attack on freedom of media in India, the Rafi Marg office of the nations oldest news agency, United News of India UNI, was literally attacked by a police force that would put an anti-terror operation to shame.Employees were not given time to even collect their belongings or hear from management. The management has been left outside, and employees are being beaten inside,\" the Statesman said.

UNI also posted on X about the development. \"The sealing of the office of United News of India UNI, one of the countrys oldest and most respected news agencies, has raised serious concerns over press freedom.\" UNI’s statement came as officials cited the court’s findings. Officials said the allotment was conditional, not absolute, and cancellation served public interest.

The sealing followed the Delhi High Court’s 20.03.2026 judgment on the cancelled allotment. UNI alleged force and misconduct during the operation, while police said the process was lawful and recorded. Ministry officials cited long delays, alleged non-compliance, and court observations on misuse. The notice at the site warned against unauthorised entry and said legal action would follow.

With inputs from PTI