The future of the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club has become the focus of a growing dispute, with the club’s general committee urging the Center not to take any step that could disrupt its functioning until unresolved concerns are addressed. These concerns include the possibility of relocation and the future of hundreds of employees associated with the organization.
In a letter sent to the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the committee set up by the Indian government has asked the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Land and Development Office (L&DO) to consider allocating an alternative plot of land if the proposed acquisition goes ahead. News agency PTI reported that committee members stressed the need to protect the interests of members, employees and other stakeholders before implementing any decision affecting the club.
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The committee confirmed that it has been handling the club’s affairs for more than four years after taking over under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order dated April 1, 2022. During this period, it claimed to have focused on restoring administrative discipline and improving the club’s financial position.
According to the committee, the club’s financial situation witnessed a major transformation during its tenure. She said that the expected profit and loss statement for the period 2023-2024 reflects a profit of $9.25 crores, compared to a loss $12.39 lakh crore in 2021-22. The committee noted that this improvement came despite the club not adding any new memberships, which was previously a major source of revenue.
What sparked the controversy?
The Center has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its premises on Safdarjung Road by June 5, saying the land is needed for “strengthening and securing defense infrastructure” and other public security needs of Delhi in Lutyens, an area that is home to several key government and defense establishments.
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The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The move has sharply divided opinion online and within Delhi’s social circles. To clarify both sides of the debate, we spoke to the club’s critics and supporters
Administrative reforms and digitalization efforts
The committee also noted a series of administrative reforms introduced over the past few years. It said standard operating procedures have been implemented across departments and pending litigation, including labor disputes, has been reduced.
Another major task undertaken during this period, according to the committee, was the digitization and updating of membership records. It claimed that approximately 43 per cent of records will not be available in 2022, making the exercise essential for a smoother run.
The committee further confirmed that members appointed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) were serving in an honorary capacity, without receiving attendance fees, compensation or financial benefits.
At the same time, the committee considered that relocating the club would require huge expenses because the existing infrastructure and facilities had been developed over several decades.
Members oppose the proposed move
The issue also sparked strong reactions from club members, who held a meeting on Monday and described the proposed takeover as “illegal”. Members raised concerns about what they described as selective action against the organisation, and argued that “similar clubs should receive similar treatment”.
They also rejected the perception that the club was an illegal occupier of public lands. According to members, the building continues to serve as an active space for sports, entertainment and cultural activities used by thousands of members and their families.
A member of the public committee said discussions were continuing with officials from L&DO and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in an attempt to prevent the takeover.
“We are in regular talks with L&DO and officials in the Urban Development Ministry. We are doing our best to ensure that the club continues at its current location,” he said.
The committee is also trying to secure protection for nearly 600 employees associated with the club if the transfer eventually takes place, the member added.
Members also argued that the long waiting list for membership reflected the institution’s popularity rather than its illegitimacy. They called for reforms in management instead of closing or removing the club.
Founded in 1913, the Delhi Gymkhana Club is considered by its members to be one of the oldest sporting and social institutions in the capital, and holds a heritage value that goes beyond the commercial value of the land it occupies.
(with PTI inputs)
