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Historic Delhi Gymkhana Club Faces Uncertain Future After Government Order
Delhi Gymkhana Club has decided to seek clarification from the government after the Centre directed the club to hand over its premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5 for defence and public security-related purposes.
Delhi Gymkhana Club on Saturday said it would write to the Land and Development Office (L&DO) seeking clarification on several issues after receiving a government order directing it to hand over its premises by June 5.
In a communication to its members, the club stated that the Centre had asked it to vacate and surrender its premises located in Lutyens’ Delhi to “strengthen and secure defence infrastructure” and for other vital public security purposes.
The club said it received the notice on May 22 from the L&DO under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs regarding the “re-entry and resumption” of the 27.3-acre land parcel situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, adjacent to the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Lok Kalyan Marg.
According to the club, an urgent meeting was convened following the development, after which it was decided to immediately respond to the government seeking clarity in the interest of club members and employees. The club has also requested an urgent meeting with officials of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
The communication emphasised that the club’s immediate priority is to ensure continuity of operations without disruption while discussions with the government continue.
In its May 22 order, the L&DO said the land falls within a highly sensitive and strategic zone and is urgently required for institutional and governance-related purposes. The government invoked powers under the lease deed to terminate the lease originally granted to the then Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd.
The order further stated that the land parcel, along with all buildings, lawns, structures, and fittings, would vest with the government upon re-entry, with possession scheduled for June 5.
Founded in 1913 during the British colonial period as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution has historically served as one of Delhi’s most prominent social and sporting clubs. The term “Imperial” was dropped after India’s Independence in 1947.