The central government of India has issued an eviction notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its property in Lutyens’ Delhi [1].
The order targets one of the most exclusive enclaves in the capital, signaling a government push to reclaim prime real estate for national security. The move pits a century-old institution against the state's strategic infrastructure goals.
The club was ordered to vacate its 27.3-acre site on Safdarjung Road by June 5, 2024 [1, 2]. This area is located within the government-reserved zone of the city, where land is strictly controlled [1, 2].
Authorities said the land is required for defense-infrastructure and public-security purposes [1, 2]. The government has not detailed the specific nature of the security projects planned for the site.
Founded in 1913, the club serves as a social hub for the city's elite [1]. The eviction affects approximately 14,000 members and about 500 employees [2].
Club members are planning a legal battle against the order to prevent dislocation [1]. The legal challenge is expected to focus on the club's long-term tenure, and the specific requirements cited by the government.
The dispute highlights the tension between heritage land use and modern security needs in the heart of the capital. While the club seeks to maintain its historic presence, the government said the site is essential for the state's current defense requirements [1, 2].
“The club was ordered to vacate its 27.3-acre site on Safdarjung Road by June 5, 2024.”
This eviction represents a broader effort by the Indian government to consolidate control over the Lutyens' Delhi zone. By reclaiming land from private or semi-private elite institutions for defense and security, the state is prioritizing strategic urban planning and national security over historical land grants and social heritage.
