Delhi Gymkhana Club ordered to vacate 27.3-acre Lutyens' Delhi premises by June 5

The Centre has ordered the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its 27.3-acre Lutyens' Delhi premises by June 5, citing urgent need for defence infrastructure and public security.

NEW DELHI: The historic Delhi Gymkhana Club, long regarded as one of the country’s most exclusive institutions frequented by bureaucrats, defence officers, politicians and business elites, is staring at an uncertain future after the Centre ordered it to hand over its sprawling 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5. The move, initiated through a “re-entry” order issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union housing and urban affairs ministry, has triggered shock among members, criticism from opposition leaders, and fresh debate over the future of elite colonial-era clubs occupying prime government land in the national capital.

Why Centre asked the club to vacate?

The Centre said the land parcel at 2, Safdarjung Road, adjacent to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, falls within a “highly sensitive and strategic area” and is now urgently required for strengthening defence infrastructure, governance facilities and other public security purposes. The order directed the club to hand over “peaceful possession” of the property by June 5, warning that in case of non-compliance, possession would be taken over “in accordance with law”. Officials indicated that the land, along with adjoining government properties around the high-security zone, could be redeveloped for strategic and institutional use, including secure residences and establishments for top government functionaries. The decision comes amid a wider push by the government to reclaim land parcels around Lok Kalyan Marg. Recently, the Centre had also defended in Delhi high court its move to evict the Indian Polo Association from the Jaipur Polo Ground area, citing national security concerns.

A club synonymous with Delhi’s elite

Founded in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club during British rule, the institution shifted to its present Safdarjung Road premises in the 1930s. After Independence, the word “Imperial” was dropped and it became the Delhi Gymkhana Club. Over the decades, the club evolved into one of India’s most prestigious and difficult-to-access social institutions, symbolising power, privilege and exclusivity in the heart of the capital. Spread across lush lawns in Lutyens’ Delhi, the club houses a swimming pool, 26 grass tennis courts, squash courts, multiple dining halls, restaurants, bars and party venues. Membership traditionally followed a formula in which 40 per cent seats went to civil servants, 40 per cent to defence personnel and the remaining 20 per cent to others. For generations, entry into the club was seen less as a matter of wealth and more as acceptance into Delhi’s elite circles. Waiting periods for membership often stretched to 30-40 years. The club also became known for its controversial “green card” system, under which adult dependents of existing members received preferential treatment in securing membership — a practice critics said made it nearly impossible for outsiders to enter.

Governance disputes and allegations of mismanagement

The Centre’s latest action is being viewed as the culmination of years of disputes surrounding the club’s administration and functioning. The ministry of corporate affairs had initiated a probe into alleged financial irregularities, mismanagement and governance violations nearly six years ago. The club had also witnessed intense factional battles between groups aligned with civil servants and defence personnel during internal elections. Government agencies had accused the club of straying from its original purpose of promoting sports and recreation. In proceedings before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), the Centre had even described the transformation of the institution as turning “from a vyayamshaala to a madhushaala”. The club is currently being run by a government-appointed committee following directives from the corporate affairs ministry and the National Company Law Tribunal. Interestingly, just weeks before the takeover order, the L&DO had issued a notice asking the club to clear nearly Rs 47 crore in dues, including around Rs 36 crore linked to revised lease rates. Several members said they believed discussions were underway regarding payment and lease issues, and were caught off guard by the sudden decision to reclaim the land.

New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) The elite Delhi Gymkhana Club, the imperial-era haunt of the high-heeled and the influential, located in the heart of Lutyens Delhi, is set to be reclaimed by the Union government for “public security purposes”, said an official document made available on Saturday.

Club members react with shock

In a communication to members, the club’s governing committee said it had convened an urgent meeting and decided to seek immediate clarification from the government. “The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure operations of the club continue without dislocation,” the statement said, adding that the committee had sought an urgent meeting with officials from the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. Several members indicated the club was likely to challenge the order legally. A senior member said the government’s national security argument could make any legal battle difficult, particularly since the lease itself contains provisions allowing re-entry for public use.

New Delhi: A car is seen entering the Delhi Gymkhana Club, in New Delhi. The Centre has asked Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises by June 5, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure". (PTI Photo)

‘Institutional heritage’: Reactions pour in

The Centre’s decision drew political and emotional reactions from multiple quarters. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the move, saying, “Till now, it was the poor who were being affected, so the rich were not too bothered. Then came the turn of shopkeepers. Now it is the turn of senior officers and professionals who visit clubs. Everyone’s turn will come eventually.” Congress leader Udit Raj called the development “very sad”, describing the Gymkhana as a historic institution. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi termed the development “unfortunate” and “truly tragic”, expressing hope that the proposal would be reconsidered. Remembering the club’s sporting legacy, Bedi noted that late Union minister Arun Jaitley had overseen construction of a new swimming pool during his lifetime and said some of the finest tennis matches in Delhi had been played there. “The Delhi Gymkhana Club is not just a property — it is part of our institutional and sporting heritage. Change may be necessary, but history and legacy deserve thoughtful preservation,” she said. Capt S Seshadri, president of the Madras Gymkhana Club, also expressed sadness over the development, calling it unfortunate for an institution of such stature.

‘If it is for national security, we accept it’

Advocate and third-generation member Riya Sachthey said she was initially “appalled” by the notice, but acknowledged that the lease deed permits re-entry for public use. “If this land is to be taken by the government for public use, in public interest, for the security of the country, I am fine with it,” she said. However, she stressed that employees should not lose their livelihoods and suggested that an alternative institution be created for members if the club premises are eventually repurposed.

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