The Indian central government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises in Lutyens' Delhi by June 5, 2024 [1].
The move targets one of the most exclusive pieces of real estate in the capital. Because the campus is located near the Prime Minister's residence and other key government installations, the land is considered a strategic asset for national security.
The Land and Development Office issued the eviction notice for the 27.3-acre campus [1]. Government officials said the land is critically required for the development of defense infrastructure and for public-safety purposes [1], [2].
Founded in 1913 [2], the club has occupied the site for 113 years [2]. The facility has long served as a private enclave for the city's elite, but the government now seeks to reclaim the land for state use.
Financial scrutiny has also surrounded the club's operations. Reports indicate the organization collected over 44 crore rupees in non-refundable application fees from candidates on its waiting list [1].
The eviction deadline of June 5, 2024 [1], places the club in a position where it must either vacate the property or challenge the order through legal channels. The central government has not provided a detailed timeline for the specific defense projects planned for the site.
“The land is deemed “critically required” for defence infrastructure and public‑safety purposes.”
This action signals a shift in the government's approach to land management in the high-security Lutyens' zone. By reclaiming a century-old private club's campus, the state is prioritizing defense and security infrastructure over the historical land-use agreements of the city's social elite.
