The Indian government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises at 2 Safdarjung Road by June 5, 2026 [2].
The move targets one of the most exclusive colonial-era private institutions in the country, situated within a high-security diplomatic and defense enclave. The eviction marks a significant shift in the control of prime real estate in Lutyens' Delhi, where land is strictly regulated.
Founded in 1913 [1], the club occupies a 27.3-acre site [2]. The Centre said the order is driven by an urgent need for defense infrastructure and public security [3]. Officials said governance disputes and alleged mismanagement were contributing factors for the decision [3].
Located in the heart of New Delhi, the club is often described as the most exclusive address in the city. Its prestige is underscored by a massive membership waitlist, which reports place between 30 [3] and 37 years [1].
The site at 2 Safdarjung Road [1] has long served as a hub for the city's elite. However, the government's priority has shifted toward utilizing the land for strategic security purposes given its proximity to critical state installations.
Members and administrators now face a tight deadline to exit the facility. The government said the requirement for defense-related infrastructure outweighs the club's continued tenure on the land [3].
“The government order to vacate is to be complied with by 5 June 2026.”
The eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club signals a prioritization of national security and defense infrastructure over the preservation of colonial-era social legacies. By reclaiming 27.3 acres of prime land in the high-security Lutyens' zone, the Indian government is consolidating its control over the diplomatic enclave and removing a private entity from a strategically sensitive area.
