The Union Government has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate and hand over possession of its premises by June 5, invoking the “public purpose” provision contained in the lease agreement governing the property.
The directive was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which stated that the land occupied by the club is situated in a strategically sensitive zone of the national capital and is now required for purposes linked to public interest and national security.
Relying on the re-entry clause in the lease deed, the Centre ordered the resumption of the property, asserting that the government retains the authority to reclaim the land whenever it is required for a public purpose. The order specifies that the entire premises, including all structures, buildings, fixtures and open spaces, would revert to the Central Government upon resumption.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been instructed to peacefully surrender possession of the property on or before June 5. The order further states that in the event of non-compliance, possession may be taken in accordance with law, with assistance from law enforcement authorities if necessary.
According to the government, the land is proposed to be utilised for critical institutional and infrastructure requirements connected with governance and security-related functions. The Centre has also emphasised the strategic significance of the location in the larger administrative framework of New Delhi.
Founded in 1913 during the colonial era as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution remains one of the oldest and most prominent elite clubs in the country. After Independence, the word “Imperial” was dropped, and the club continued functioning under its present name.
The post Centre orders Delhi Gymkhana to hand over club land for public purpose appeared first on India Legal.