Delhi Gymkhana Club ordered to vacate premises by June 5

Central govt has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), one of the oldest clubs in India, which is located next to PM’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi, to hand over the premises by June 5 for the “strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.

Govt had given 27.3 acres of land on perpetual lease to DGC in 1928. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under housing and urban affairs ministry said it has ordered “re-entry” -- which means premature termination of lease and repossession -- with “immediate effect” of the property.

It added that upon such “re-entry”, the entire plot of land, along with all its buildings, structures, lawns and fittings, “shall vest absolutely” with L&DO.

The order directed DGC to “hand over peaceful possession of the premises”; in the event of noncompliance, possession “shall be taken over in accordance with law”.

The club has been operated from 2, Safdarjung Road since 1913, when it was called Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, it was renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club. The present buildings were constructed in the 1930s.

For over a century, getting into DGC has been less about money and more about whether one fits into Delhi’s ‘elite class’, since it symbolises power and privilege.

The move to take back the land parcel comes at a time when L&DO has issued similar directives to occupants of other govt land along Lok Kalyan Marg. Though the exact purpose of the move is not yet known, people aware of the development did not rule out the possibility of this land parcel, along with others that would be vacated around the area, being utilised for redevelopment, including construction of highly secure residences and establishments for top govt functionaries.

The L&DO, in its notice, said the club is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi. “The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with resumption of adjoining govt lands,” it said.

In a communication to the members, the DGC’s general secretary said that the General Committee (GC) had an urgent meeting on Saturday and decided to send an “immediate response” to L&DO requesting clarity on issues in the interests of members and employees. He said the committee members will seek an urgent meeting with ministry officials. “The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure operations of the club continue without dislocation,” it said.

Recently, Centre had defended in Delhi High Court its move seeking eviction of the Indian Polo Association, which runs Jaipur Polo Ground opposite PM’s residence. The Government had cited the sensitive location of the area and national security concerns to argue that it is also taking steps to take possession of other such land parcels in that area for larger public purposes.

“A strong case will be made against the L&DO order to seek relief from the court. But let’s see how far we can counter govt’s claim of the land being taken back for defence and security purposes. Also, this order comes close to expiry of the current lease,” said a senior member of DGC.