Delhi Gymkhana Club Falls Under 'Highly Sensitive & Strategic Area', Says Centre, Asked To Hand Over Premises By June 5

(MENAFN- Live Mint) The Central Government issued an order on Friday directing the takeover and repossession of the premises of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, located at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi on grounds of public purpose and national interest considerations. It mentioned the property lies in a“highly sensitive and strategic area” and is now essential for bolstering defence infrastructure and meeting other public security requirements.

It has been asked to hand over peaceful possession of the property to government officials by June 5, 2026, after which the authorities may take possession in accordance with the law if the premises are not vacated, according to ANI.

The order was issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land & Development Office (L&DO). According to the directive, the land was originally leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd-now renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, for operating a social and sporting club.

The Centre said the property is now required for“pressing institutional requirements, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects” linked to adjacent government land parcels.

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Invoking Clause 4 of the lease deed, the government said the lessor has the authority to re-enter the premises and terminate the lease if the property is needed for a public purpose. According to the order, the entire 27.3-acre property, comprising all buildings, structures, lawns, and fixtures on the site, will vest fully with the President of India through the Land & Development Office.

"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 read.

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The Delhi Gymkhana Club, considered one of India's oldest and most prestigious clubs, moved to its current premises in 1913 and was originally named the“Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club”, with Spencer Harcourt Butler serving as its first president. Following India's Independence in 1947, the term“Imperial” was removed, and the institution became known as the Delhi Gymkhana Club.

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The club's origins date back to July 1913. During its initial years, the Polo Club operated under the Gymkhana Club before emerging as a separate entity in the 1930s after relocating to New Delhi.

Historical material related to the club's beginnings remains limited, with comprehensive records believed to have been maintained only from 1927 onwards.

Delhi Gymkhana Club under scanner in 2014

The Delhi government, in July, 2014, initiated action against the club over unpaid luxury tax dues of ₹2.92 crore accumulated over the previous three years.

The following month, reports emerged that the club was operating unauthorised borewells and violating environmental norms. In August 2014, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee ordered the closure of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. However, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) later allowed the club to avoid closure upon payment of a ₹5 lakh penalty.

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