The Centre has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to vacate its premises by June 5, in a move citing the need to utilise the land for strengthening defence infrastructure and other strategic public security requirements. The order has been issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which stated that the 27.3-acre property located at 2, Safdarjung Road is required due to its critical positioning in a highly sensitive and strategically significant zone of the national capital.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, situated in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi near key government installations, operates on land that was originally leased during the British era for use as a social and sporting club. According to official communication, the lease has been terminated under provisions of the original agreement, with authorities invoking their right to reclaim the land in the public interest.

The government order specifies that the premises, including all buildings, structures, lawns, and associated facilities, will be taken over by the Land & Development Office on the scheduled date. It also warns that in case of non-compliance, possession will be taken over in accordance with legal provisions, effectively setting a firm deadline for the handover.

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The decision has prompted immediate pushback from members of the club, who argue that there is no stated security threat linked to the premises and have questioned the rationale behind the order. Some members have indicated that the club intends to challenge the directive through legal appeal, while also emphasising the institution’s long-standing heritage and membership base.

A club member, Siddharth, stated that the organisation would seek legal recourse, while also noting that compliance would be followed if directed by the courts. He added that, in his view, the justification provided in the order should be reconsidered given the club’s historical and social significance in the capital.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, established in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, has long been considered one of the most prominent colonial-era institutions in the city. Its premises lie within a high-security administrative zone that houses several key government offices and is located close to the Prime Minister’s residence, further underlining the strategic sensitivity of the land in question.

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