Centre seeks eviction of Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites defence and public security needs

The Union government has initiated formal eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club, seeking to reclaim its 27.3-acre property at 2, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi. The Centre told the Estate Officer that the club has been in “unauthorised and illegal” occupation since the termination of its lease and argued that the land is required for defence infrastructure, public security and other public-interest projects.In a plaint submitted before the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the government stated that the property belongs to the Union of India and falls under the definition of public premises under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.According to the Centre, the land was originally leased in 1928 to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, through a perpetual lease deed. It invoked Clause 4 of the lease, which allows the government to resume possession if the property is required for a public purpose.The government said the lease was terminated on May 22, 2026, and the club was instructed to vacate the premises by June 5. However, it alleged that the club continued to occupy the property despite the termination notice, making its possession unlawful under the Public Premises Act.The Centre further argued that the site is located in a strategically important area of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to key government establishments, and is required for strengthening defence infrastructure, governance facilities and public security. It also noted that nearby government-owned land parcels have already been resumed.The government has requested the Estate Officer to declare the club an unauthorised occupant and direct its eviction. The latest move comes after the Delhi Gymkhana Club challenged the lease termination in the Delhi High Court. According to the Centre, the High Court declined to grant an injunction, allowing the government to proceed with the takeover in accordance with law.