Members and workers of the Delhi Gymkhana Club have filed a legal challenge against a government order to vacate their premises.
The dispute centers on a high-value property in Lutyens' Delhi, where the central government has demanded the club leave the land. Because the club serves as a historic social hub, the sudden eviction notice threatens the operational stability of the institution and the livelihoods of its staff.
The Centre issued a notice requiring the club to vacate the property by June 5 [2]. The site consists of 27.3 acres of land [1]. In response, members moved the Delhi High Court to contest the order, alleging that the government is attempting to seize control of the club.
According to the petition, the eviction notice lacks a clear public purpose. The members said the government has not provided a plan for compensation for the loss of the premises. They argue that the move is an arbitrary exercise of power rather than a necessity for public infrastructure, or service.
The legal battle now rests with the court to determine if the government's demand meets the legal thresholds for land reclamation. The club's leadership and members continue to question the motives behind the notice as the June 5 deadline approaches [2].
“The Centre issued a notice requiring the club to vacate the property by June 5.”
This conflict highlights the ongoing tension between the Indian central government and private or semi-private entities holding large land tracts in the high-security Lutyens' zone. If the court upholds the eviction, it may set a precedent for the government to reclaim other historic club properties in the capital under similar administrative notices.
