Delhi Gymkhana Club Land Takeover: Centre Sets June 5 Deadline
Delhi Gymkhana Club Land Takeover: Centre Sets June 5 Deadline
The iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club has been ordered to hand over its 27.3-acre premises to the Centre by June 5 for urgent public interest projects. Get the full story here!
In a major development that marks a significant shift for one of the capital's most historic landmarks, the Centre has officially asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its sprawling 27.3-acre premises by June 5. This decision comes as the government looks to repurpose the land for what it describes as urgent institutional needs and the strengthening of governance and defense infrastructure.
The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO), which operates under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. According to the directive, the land is essential for public interest projects and the expansion of infrastructure required for national security. Nestled in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi at 2, Safdarjung Road, the club sits in a high-security zone, directly adjacent to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
Historically, the land was leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club—now the Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd—specifically for the purpose of running a social and sporting club. However, the President of India, through the L&DO, has now exercised powers to determine the lease and order the re-entry of the premises. This move means that all standing buildings, structures, and lawns on the site will now vest completely with the government.
The club’s management was notified of the decision in a letter dated May 22. The order is quite firm: the premises must be vacated peacefully by the June 5 deadline. If the club fails to comply, the government has stated that possession will be taken in accordance with the law. This news has sparked a wave of conversation, as the club has long been a social hub for the city’s elite, including high-ranking officials and military personnel.
