Delhi Gymkhana Club falls in ‘highly sensitive and strategic area’, says Centre, asked to hand over premises by June 5 | Today’s news
The Central Government on Friday issued an order to take over and repossess the premises of the Delhi Gymkhana Club located at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi on grounds of public purpose and national interest. She mentioned that the property lies in a “highly sensitive and strategic area” and is now necessary to strengthen defense infrastructure and meet other public safety requirements.
It has been asked to hand over peaceful possession of the property to government officials by June 5, 2026, after which the authorities can take over the property as per law if the premises are not cleared, reports 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 initially leased to Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd – now renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, for running a social and sports club.
The center said the property is now needed for “urgent institutional requirements, governance infrastructure and public interest projects” associated with adjacent government land.
Citing clause 4 of the lease, the government said the landlord has the power 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 land, including all buildings, structures, lawns and appurtenances at the site, will be fully vested in the President of India through the Land & Development Office.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 4 of the Lease, the President of India through the Land & Development Office hereby determines the lease and orders re-entry into the above premises with immediate effect,” it said.
History of the Delhi Gymkhana Club
Considered to be one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in India, the Delhi Gymkhana Club moved to its present premises in 1913 and was originally called the “Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club” with Spencer Harcourt Butler as its first president. After India’s independence in 1947, the term “Imperial” was dropped and the institution became known as the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
The origins of the club date back to July 1913. During its early 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 relating to the club’s origins remains limited, with comprehensive records believed to have only been maintained since 1927.
Delhi Gymkhana Club under the scanner in 2014
In July 2014, the Delhi government launched a case against the club over unpaid luxury taxes. ₹2.92 billion crowns were accumulated over the previous three years.
The following month, reports surfaced that the club was operating unauthorized wells and violating environmental standards. In August 2014, the Delhi Pollution Control Board ordered the closure of the Delhi Gymkhana Club. However, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) later allowed the club to avoid closure after paying a ₹5 thousand fine.
