The Delhi Gymkhana Club has sought an urgent meeting with officials from the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs after the Centre directed the elite institution to hand over its premises by June 5. The club stated that it would formally write to the L&DO to address several concerns arising from the order.
The directive, issued by Deputy Land and Development Officer Suchit Goyal, stated that the property falls within a “highly sensitive and strategic area” of the national capital and is required for strengthening defence infrastructure and meeting public security needs. According to the order, once the premises are re-entered, the entire property — including buildings, structures, lawns, and fittings — would come under the ownership of the President of India. It further warned that if the club fails to comply with the deadline, possession of the property would be taken in accordance with the law.
In a communication sent to its members, the club said the Centre had asked it to vacate the premises to facilitate the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and for other public security purposes. The club also informed members that it had sought an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to discuss the matter further.
The club said it received the notice from the L&DO on May 22. The communication from the government sought “re-entry and resumption” of the land leased to the club, citing strategic and security considerations due to the location of the property near key government establishments.
Following the notice, the club convened an urgent meeting on Saturday to deliberate on the issue. After discussions, it decided to submit an immediate response to the L&DO seeking clarification on multiple aspects of the order.
“Pursuant to the sudden development, the Gymkhana Club met today on an urgent basis and after detailed deliberation decided to file an immediate response to the L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the club,” the communication said.
The development has triggered concern among members of the historic institution, which has long been associated with Delhi’s social and administrative elite. The coming days are expected to see further discussions between the club management and government authorities as the June 5 deadline approaches.
