Delhi Gymkhana members move Delhi High Court against Centre’s eviction notice; claim a bid to take control of the club | Today’s news

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI: Members of Delhi’s elite 113-year-old Gymkhana Club have gone to court challenging the government’s call to vacate and hand over the premises by June 5.

Petition, seen Mintfiled in the Delhi High Court by Vijay Khurana, a member of the club, challenging the May 22 notice of eviction from the club’s 27.3-acre property on Safdarjung Road. The matter was mentioned on Monday before Avneesh Jhingan, where senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi sought an urgent hearing. The matter is due to be heard on Tuesday.

Khurana filed a case against the Union of India through the Land and Development Authority (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which issued the eviction notice. The the petition sought a permanent injunction and directions to prevent the government from taking the property. More than 500 members supported the application through letters of authorization.

Read also | Members of Delhi’s elite Gymkhana club are gearing up for a challenge to take over the government

The plea stated that the government was invoking Clause 4 of the 1928 Perpetual Lease Agreement to restore ownership of the land, arguing that the property, located in a “highly sensitive and strategic area”, was necessary for the purpose of strengthening and securing defense, governance and public safety infrastructure.

However, the petitioner argued that the government had not disclosed any specific project, urgency or material explaining why the entire property was needed. He argued that the notification contained only “vague and omnibus assertions” without identifying any specific public purpose.

The plea claimed the eviction order was part of a wider attempt to gain control of the club. It is “the latest in a series of acts by the government to gain control of the institution, including a recent attempt to take over the institution,” the petition said.

He is silent about compensation

The main argument raised in the plea is that the notice does not mention compensation, despite the lease agreement providing for compensation for land premium, buildings and structures if the property is restored for public purposes. The petition said the order was “completely silent” on guarantees of compensation.

It said members had invested considerable time, effort and resources in developing and maintaining the institution over decades and a sudden move would cause “irreversible prejudice and institutional damage”.

Mint announced on Sunday that the club can move the petition in Delhi High Court.

Founded in 1913, the Delhi Gymkhana is among the oldest elite institutions in India. Originally established for British civil servants and military officers after the imperial capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, it later evolved into one of the capital’s most influential clubs, with members from the bureaucracy, defense services, politics, judiciary and business circles.

Read also | Zee-JioStar copyright dispute heads for mediation after referral to Delhi HC

The eviction notice was signed by the Deputy Lands and Development Officer on behalf of the President of India, the landlord. The notification stated that the land, buildings and structures would be vested in the President of India.

Many members claimed that no prior warning was given. Major Atul Dev, an 86-year-old retired army officer and member of the club, said this Mint earlier, the eviction announcement was surprising as the government had already exercised administrative control over the institution through appointed directors over the past few years.

Read also | Peruvian or Chilean Pisco? The court resolves a dispute for brandy connoisseurs

However, the eviction order came against the backdrop of a prolonged legal and administrative battle between the Center and the Delhi Gymkhana. From 2020, the club faces litigation over governance, management and election-related issues following the intervention of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which eventually led to a government-appointed administration taking over.

Separately, the club also faced lease-related disputes, including notices of alleged breaches and unpaid ground lease fees of around ₹47.58 crore, making the eviction order the latest chapter in the long-running dispute between the government and the club.