The Central government on Friday ordered re-entry and resumption of the premises of Delhi Gymkhana Club located at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, citing urgent public purposes and national interest considerations.
The order was issued on May 22 by the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land and Development Office (L&DO).
What is the issue
According to the order, the land was originally leased to Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., for the purpose of maintaining a social and sports club. The government said that the buildings are located within a “highly sensitive and strategic area” in the national capital and are now in high demand for strengthening defense infrastructure and other public security purposes.
The center further stated that the land is needed to meet “urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public interest projects” integrated with adjacent government land plots.
Delhi Gymkhana Club
Delhi Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in India.
It moved to its present location in 1913 and was then known as the ‘Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club’, with Spencer Harcourt Butler as its first president. After India gained independence in 1947, the word “imperial” was dropped, and the institution became known simply as the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
The club’s origins date back to July 1913. In its early years, the Polo Club operated as part of the Gymkhana Club before becoming a separate entity in the 1930s after moving to New Delhi.
Historical records regarding the club’s origins are limited, and it is understood that detailed documentation of its history did not begin until after 1927.
Using clause 4 of the lease, the government indicated that the lessor had the right to return to the premises and terminate the lease if the property was needed for a public purpose. In exercise of these powers, the President of India, through the L&DO, fixed the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property.
The order states that the entire 27.3-acre plot of land, as well as all buildings, structures, lawns and facilities standing thereon, shall fully vest in the President of India through the Land and Development Office.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed to hand over peaceful possession of the property to the government representatives on or before June 5, 2026, failing which the possession will be seized in accordance with law.
