Centre orders Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate Lutyens’ property by June 5

The Centre has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its 27.3-acre Lutyens’ Delhi premises by June 5, citing urgent defence infrastructure needs. The historic colonial-era club, located near the PM’s residence, may be repossessed under lease termination provisions by the government

New Delhi: The Centre has asked Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to hand over the premises by June 5, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure”.

The order, issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, stated that the premises, located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi, is critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes. Nestled in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, the sprawling Delhi Gymkhana Club stands adjacent to the prime minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.

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In its letter to the club’s secretary on May 22, the L&DO said the premises situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, were leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd (now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for the specific purpose of maintaining a social and sporting club. The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands, the L&DO said.

“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 stated.

“Upon such re-entry, the entire plot of land measuring 27.3 acres, along with all buildings, standing erections, structures, lawns, and fittings thereon, shall vest absolutely in the lessor, i.e., the President of India, through the Land & Development Office.” According to the order, the premises will be taken over by the Land & Development Office on June 5.

“You are directed to hand over peaceful possession of the premises to the representatives of this office on the aforesaid date. In the event of non-compliance, possession shall be taken in accordance with law,” it stated.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club stands on one of the city’s most valuable and strategically important land parcels, within the high-security administrative zone that houses several key central government and defence establishments.

Founded during the British era, the club began functioning at the site in 1913 under the name Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. It was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club after India gained Independence, while the existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.