NEW DELHI: The Centre on Saturday directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to vacate its premises by June 5, stating that the 27.3-acre land parcel is required for strengthening and securing defence-related infrastructure. The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which said the site lies in a highly sensitive and strategic zone of the national capital and is needed for essential public security and defence purposes. Located close to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, the Delhi Gymkhana Club occupies a prime stretch of land in Lutyens’ Delhi. In a letter dated May 22 to the club secretary, the L&DO said the land at 2, Safdarjung Road was originally leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, for use as a social and sporting facility. The office further said the land is now required for urgent institutional requirements, governance-related infrastructure, and public interest projects, along with the redevelopment of adjoining government land. “In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause 4 of the Lease Deed, the President of India, through the Land & Development Office, hereby determines the lease and orders re-entry of the aforesaid premises with immediate effect,” L&DO said. “Upon such re-entry, the entire plot of land measuring 27.3 acres, along with all buildings, standing erections, structures, lawns, and fittings thereon, shall vest absolutely in the lessor, i.e., the President of India, through the Land & Development Office.” The order states that possession of the premises will be taken over by the L&DO on June 5. It further directs the club to hand over peaceful possession to the authorities on the specified date, warning that legal action will be taken if there is non-compliance. “You are directed to hand over peaceful possession of the premises to the representatives of this office on the aforesaid date. In the event of non-compliance, possession shall be taken in accordance with law,” it stated. The Delhi Gymkhana Club is located in one of the most strategically important and high-security zones of Delhi, surrounded by key government and defence establishments. The club was established during the British era and began operations in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, it was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club, with its present structures dating back to the 1930s.
