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The Central government asked Gymkhana Club to hand over the premises by June 5, saying the plot was required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure.”
Gymkhana Club in New Delhi. (PTI Image)
The Gymkhana Club has urgently sought a meeting with officials of the Central government after the club was asked to vacate its 27.3-acre Lutyens’ Delhi premises by June 5.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry asked Gymkhana Club to hand over the premises by June 5, saying the plot was required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure.”
In a letter to its members, the club acknowledged that it had received a communication from the Centre seeking re-entry and resumption of the premises and requested an urgent appointment with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officials.
“Pursuant to the sudden development, the GC today met on an urgent basis and after detailed deliberation decided to write an immediate response to L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the Club,” it said.
Delhi Gymkhana Club- “The GC (Gymkhana Club) today met on an urgent basis and after detailed deliberation decided to write an immediate response to L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the Club. The communication also requests… pic.twitter.com/YU5Fpi1ldg— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2026
“The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure that the operations of the Club continue without dislocation.”
Will Gymkhana Club Move Court?
“Our next step is to appeal against the order, because this club is very old and we have several members. There is no such security threat. We will appeal, and the court will take a decision based on merit,” Siddharth, a member of Gymkhana club, told news agency PTI.
Why Does The Centre Need Gymkhana Premises?
The Centre said the premises are located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of the national capital and is critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.
In its letter to the club’s secretary on May 22, the L&DO said the premises situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, were leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd (now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for the specific purpose of maintaining a social and sporting club. The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands, it said.
“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 authority stated.
Founded during the British era, the club began functioning at the site in 1913 under the name Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, quickly becoming one of the most exclusive clubs in the national capital. It was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club after India gained Independence, while the existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.
Members of the club include cabinet ministers, diplomats, bureaucrats, senior military officers and business tycoons. It previously faced allegations of financial irregularities and favouritism, leading to government intervention.
(with inputs from agencies)
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