Why the Centre wants Delhi Gymkhana Club vacated by June 5

The Centre has directed Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to hand over its premises by June 5, stating that the 27.3-acre land parcel is required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure” and other public security purposes.

The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Located at 2, Safdarjung Road, the Delhi Gymkhana Club stands next to the prime minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg and falls within one of the capital’s most sensitive administrative and security zones.

In a letter sent to the club secretary on May 22, the L&DO said the premises had originally been leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, specifically for operating a social and sporting club.

The letter stated that the land was now required to fulfil “urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects”, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands.

“The premises, located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi, is critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes,” the order stated.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause 4 of the Lease Deed, the President of India, through the Land & Development Office, hereby determines the lease and orders re-entry of the aforesaid premises with immediate effect,” it added.

The order further stated that after re-entry, “the entire plot of land measuring 27.3 acres, along with all buildings, standing erections, structures, lawns, and fittings thereon, shall vest absolutely in the lessor, i.e., the President of India, through the Land & Development Office.”

According to the order, the premises will officially be taken over by the L&DO on June 5.

“You are directed to hand over peaceful possession of the premises to the representatives of this office on the aforesaid date. In the event of non-compliance, possession shall be taken in accordance with law,” the order said.

Members react, legal options being explored

The move has triggered sharp reactions from several members of the club, many of whom described the decision as unexpected and said legal action was being considered.

Siddhart, a member of the club, said an appeal would be filed against the order and claimed there was no security threat linked to the premises.

“The next step will be to file an appeal against this order. The club is very old and has many members. There is no security threat or any such concern,” he said.

“As a member, I feel the observations made in the order should be reconsidered. Such a situation should not have arisen,” he added.

On the June 5 deadline, Siddhart said the club would comply if directed by a court.

Major Atul Dev (retd), who has been associated with the club for around 60 years, also said the order would be challenged legally.

“I have received at least 50 calls since morning as the news came as a big surprise to all of us. We are going to challenge the order legally. We are working on it,” he said.

According to him, the club currently has around 11,000 members, including government servants.

Brigadier Harinder Pal Singh Bedi (retd) said the decision had left many members shocked.

“I became a member of Delhi Gymkhana in 2006 after a 12-year waiting period while serving in the Army. I paid around Rs 60,000 as the membership fee, which now runs into lakhs of rupees. This order has surprised us to say the least,” Bedi said.

He also raised concerns about the future of employees working at the club.

“The order has left the future of the staff in limbo, as they have less than two weeks to prepare for their next move,” he said.

“I will go to the club on May 26… Who knows, I might not get another chance,” Bedi added.

One of Delhi’s oldest clubs

The club traces its origins to July 3, 1913, when it was established during British rule as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club for colonial administrators and military officers.

After India gained Independence in 1947, the word “Imperial” was dropped and the institution became the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The current structures on the property were constructed in the 1930s.

The club today occupies one of the most valuable and strategically located land parcels in central Delhi, surrounded by key government offices and defence establishments.

(With inputs from agencies)