The Indian government told the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that police will not forcibly evict the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its premises.
The case centers on a high-value piece of real estate in the capital's diplomatic enclave. The outcome determines whether the government can reclaim land for public use through lease termination without triggering a volatile confrontation with a prominent social institution.
The dispute involves the 27.2-acre property [1] located at 2 Safdarjung Road in New Delhi. The Centre issued a directive to vacate the premises on May 22, 2026 [3]. This move followed the government's decision to terminate the club's lease by invoking a public-purpose clause found in the original lease deed [5].
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the government. When asked if any action would be taken on the upcoming deadline, Mehta said no [2]. Government representatives said that they will act according to the law rather than deploying police to clear the site [3].
One government spokesperson said, "It is not that the police will rush in and the Centre will take forcible possession of the premises" [1].
Despite these assurances, the Delhi High Court declined to stay the government's order to terminate the lease and reclaim the land. The club has been given a deadline of June 5, 2026, to vacate the property voluntarily [2].
The government maintains that the land is required for government use. The court's refusal to halt the termination means the legal basis for the government to reclaim the land remains intact, even as the Centre seeks to avoid a forced takeover [4].
“"We will act per law, not as though cops will go and vacate Delhi Gymkhana."”
This development signals a tactical attempt by the Indian government to secure a high-value asset while avoiding the negative optics of a forced police eviction. By securing a court refusal to stay the lease termination, the Centre has maintained its legal leverage, while the promise of no forced entry provides a temporary diplomatic window for the club to exit without conflict.
