The Centre has formally served a Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction notice, asking the prestigious institution to vacate its Safdarjung Road premises after the expiry of its lease. The notice, issued under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, marks a fresh escalation in the long-running dispute over the prime government-owned property.
The Union government has maintained that the land is required for defence infrastructure and other public security purposes. The Club has been asked to appear before the Land and Development Office (L&DO) on July 7 for a hearing, while legal proceedings over the issue continue before the Delhi High Court.
Why the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction notice was issued
According to The Indian Express, the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction notice follows the termination of the Club’s lease, which ended on May 22. Officials have argued that the Club has remained in possession of the land despite the expiry of the lease and repeated requests to hand over the premises.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that the property is needed for strengthening defence infrastructure and other strategic public purposes. The notice also cites provisions in the original lease agreement allowing the government to reclaim the land if it is required for public use.
The government further said that valuable public property cannot continue under unauthorised occupation once the lease has been lawfully determined.
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Legal battle likely to intensify
According to The Indian Express, the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction notice comes weeks after the Club approached the Delhi High Court against the government’s decision. Earlier, while hearing the matter, the court did not stay the eviction process. However, the Centre assured the bench that any further action would follow the procedure established under law.
The Club, currently administered by a government-appointed General Committee following earlier proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal, has refrained from making an official statement, citing the pending litigation.
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Historic institution faces uncertain future
Founded during the British era, the Delhi Gymkhana Club occupies nearly 27 acres on one of the most valuable stretches of land in central Delhi. Originally established as the Imperial Gymkhana Club in 1928, it was later renamed after Independence and has remained one of the capital’s most exclusive social institutions.
The latest Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction notice has raised fresh questions about the future of the Club, its employees and thousands of members. While the government insists the land is required for a larger national purpose, the Club’s supporters argue that any decision involving such a historic institution should follow due legal process and protect its legacy.
With the July 7 hearing approaching and court proceedings still underway, the dispute is expected to remain closely watched as both sides prepare for the next phase of the legal battle.
