Rajasthan battles it out with Delhi to ‘capture’ Udaipur House

Rajasthan government is awaiting Supreme Court’s verdict on legal possession of sprawling 12,000 metres of land at a prime location in Delhi. The property, which belongs to Rajasthan government, is occupied by Delhi government.

This majestic building named Udaipur House was built in the 40s before Independence by the Udaipur ( Mewar) ruling family near the Tees Hazari court in Civil Lines in Delhi. Going by the current real estate prices in the area, Udaipur House is worth over Rs 25,000 crore.

The property came up during the era when Luteyn’s Delhi was being designed. That time the British asked the Udaipur royal family to build a mansion in Delhi like other princely houses.

After the Independence, the princely states were merged into Indian Union. Rulers surrendered their properties to the government. Various Houses were transferred through a covenant to the state or the Union government. The Udaipur House as it was located in Delhi, was given to the Delhi government for use only. However, ownership remained with Rajasthan government after the formation of the state.

Bharatpur House became Rajasthan House and Jodhpur House and Bikaner House along with the Udaipur House was transferred to Rajasthan …read more