Centre Issues Eviction Notice to Delhi Gymkhana Club

The Centre has issued an eviction notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, saying that the club is in "unauthorised occupation of public premises" since the land lease ended on May 22.

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the housing and urban affairs ministry, in the show-cause notice to the club, has sought an explanation why eviction order should not be passed against it.

Invoking the provisions of Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, L&DO has asked the club and all persons concerned occupying the premises to submit their response by July 7 and appear for a personal hearing on that day at 2.30pm.

The govt's move to get back the 27.3 acre land parcel comes over a month after the Centre told Delhi HC on May 26 that it won't take forceful possession by June 5 (as per its earlier notice) and that the eviction proceedings would only be initiated in accordance with the law and after giving due notice.

The L&DO said that Clause 4 of the Perpetual Lease Deed reserves power of the lessor (govt) to resume and re-enter (resume physical possession of property) whenever it's required for "public purpose".

It added that the premises are "critically required for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure, public security purposes, urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and other public-interest projects".

L&DO said that after the end of the lease and re-entry, the club ceased to have all rights and authority to continue occupying the premises.