New Delhi | The Delhi Gymkhana Club, where the city's powerful and elite rubbed shoulders for nearly a century, stared at possible closure on Saturday with the Centre asking it to return its expansive 27.3 acres by June 5 on grounds of "securing defence infrastructure".
The sprawling premises, situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, in the heart of leafy Lutyens' Delhi, were leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd (now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for maintaining a social and sporting club.
It stands adjacent to the prime minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg on one of the city's most valuable and strategically important land parcels, within the high-security administrative zone that also houses several key central government and defence establishments.
An order, issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Friday, stated that the premises are critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.
The government's move drew criticism from various quarters.
"Till now, it was the poor who were being affected, so the rich were not too bothered. Then came the turn of shopkeepers, so salaried professionals did not feel affected. Now it is the turn of senior officers and professionals who visit clubs. Everyone's turn will come eventually," AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj said.
Madras Gymkhana Club president Capt S Seshadri said that it was a sad thing to happen to an institution of such stature.
"I am not going to say it's fair or not fair. It's beyond my capacity to say that. But I feel sad," he said.
Many members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club said that the order came as a "shock" to them, and they would challenge it in court.
A member, on condition of anonymity, said that a government-appointed committee has been running the club for the last few years, and the current management is not expected to challenge the eviction order in the court of law.
"How can we expect the current club management to challenge the order since it is currently being run by the government-appointed committee? Members will have to file an application on their own to challenge the government's order," he said.
In its letter to the club's secretary, the L&DO said the leased land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands.
"In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause 4 of the Lease Deed, the President of India, through the Land & Development Office, hereby determines the lease and orders re-entry of the aforesaid premises with immediate effect," it stated.
"Upon such re-entry, the entire plot of land measuring 27.3 acres, along with all buildings, standing erections, structures, lawns, and fittings thereon, shall vest absolutely in the lessor, i.e., the President of India, through the Land & Development Office."
According to the order, the premises will be taken over by the Land & Development Office on June 5.
"You are directed to hand over peaceful possession of the premises to the representatives of this office on the aforesaid date. In the event of non-compliance, possession shall be taken in accordance with law," it stated.
A senior official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry said that most of the land allotted on lease to various institutions in Lutyens' Delhi is owned by the Government of India, which may invoke its "power" to take back its land, citing security and other reasons that are in the interest of the nation.
The latest move comes against the backdrop of the recent removal of slums from the nearby Race Course Road.
In March this year, the Delhi High Court stayed the eviction notices issued to the Delhi Race Club at Kamal Ataturk Marg and the Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area.
The court said that the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry cannot take "forcible possession" of these iconic premises.
The tussle between central authorities and the Delhi Gymkhana Club is not new.
In 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) permitted the Centre to take over the management of the prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club, citing financial irregularities and violations of company law.
The tribunal authorised the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to replace the club's existing general committee with a government-appointed panel.
Another member of the club said that the Indira Gandhi Memorial, also located on Safdarjung Road, is visited by thousands of people every day, questioning how members of the club could be considered a "security hazard".
Founded during the British era, the club began functioning from Civil Lines area in 1913 under the name Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. It was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club after India gained Independence, while the existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.
The present structure at Safdarjung Road was built in the early 1930s, with architect Robert T Russell being entrusted with its design, according to the club's website.
Russell, also associated with Connaught Place and the Commanders-in-Chief's residence (later Teen Murti House), shaped the club as a prominent complex set amid large green lawns, according to historical accounts.
Meanwhile, uncertainty loomed over the fate of nearly 600 employees of the club following the government's eviction order.
Inside the sprawling premises, the atmosphere on Saturday evening was marked by unease, with employees saying they had received no formal briefing from management on the future course of action.
A staff member said workers came to know of the development only recently and were left unsettled by the abruptness of the order.
"There has been no formal meeting with employees so far. Most of us are still waiting for clarity on what happens to our jobs after June 5," the employee said.
Among those affected are long-serving workers who have spent decades maintaining the club's facilities.
A gardener working at the tennis lawns, who has been associated with the club for 17 years, said he was carrying out his usual afternoon routine of trimming grass and tending to the courts when he first heard about the development.
"This is a very large institution with a long history and a prominent membership base. An immediate shutdown without transition is not practically feasible," a club official said.
New Delhi | Uncertainty loomed over nearly 600 employees of the iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club on Saturday after the Centre directed it to hand over its premises by June 5, leaving the staff anxious over their future amid a lack of clarity on job security and transition plans.
The order, issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, said the 27.3-acre land in Lutyens' Delhi was required for "urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public interest project", including strengthening defence-related infrastructure.
It further stated that "the premises shall be taken over by the Land and Development Office on June 5."
In its communication dated May 22, the L&DO said the premises at 2, Safdarjung Road were originally leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd (now Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for maintaining a social and sporting club, and are now required for broader public purpose projects linked with the adjoining government land.
Inside the sprawling premises located near Lok Kalyan Marg, the atmosphere on Saturday evening was marked by unease, with employees saying they had received no formal briefing from the management on the future course of action.
A staff member said workers came to know of the development only recently and were left unsettled by the abruptness of the order.
"There has been no formal meeting with employees so far. Most of us are still waiting for clarity on what happens to our jobs after June 5," the employee said.
Among those affected are also long-serving workers who have spent decades maintaining the club's facilities.
A gardener working at the tennis lawns, who has been associated with the club for 17 years, said he was carrying out his usual afternoon routine of trimming the grass and tending to the courts when he first heard about the development.
"I was in the lawn, cutting the grass and maintaining the court area as part of my regular duty when someone told me around 4 pm that the club may be shut down by early June," he said.
He added that there had been no prior indication from the administration during the course of the day, leaving workers to process the information informally as it began circulating within staff groups.
"Nothing like this has ever happened in all these years of working here. We just heard it suddenly while doing our work. There was no notice or warning before this," he said.
A club official said internal discussions were underway on legal and administrative options, stressing that an abrupt shutdown of such a large institution was not straightforward.
"This is a very large institution with a long history and a prominent membership base. An immediate shutdown without transition is not practically feasible," the official said.
Other workers said the absence of communication from the administration had added to anxiety, with many unsure whether salaries, employment contracts or redeployment options would be safeguarded.
Two women working at a private cafe operating within the club premises on a lease basis said their situation was comparatively clearer as they are employed by an external company.
"If the cafe shuts here, we will likely be transferred to another outlet," one of them said, adding that the uncertainty was more severe for direct club employees.
"People who are directly employed by the club have no clarity at all. There is a lot of confusion," she said.
A staff member said that the management had not been given prior indication before the order and no alternative arrangement had been communicated so far.
"We came to know about this only recently. There was no prior discussion. Meetings are going on and the next steps, including legal options, are being examined," the official said.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club stands on one of the city's most valuable and strategically important land parcels, within the high-security administrative zone that houses several key central government and defence establishments.
Founded during the British era, the club began functioning at the site in 1913 under the name Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. It was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club after India gained Independence, while the existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.
New Delhi | The Delhi Gymkhana Club on Saturday said it will write to the Land and Development Office seeking clarity on several issues after the Centre asked the club to hand over its premises by June 5.
In an official communication to its members, the club said the Centre has asked it to hand over its premises in Lutyens' Delhi to “strengthen and secure defence infrastructure” and for other public security purposes.
The club said it received the notice on May 22 from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, seeking “re-entry and resumption” of the 27.3-acre land parcel, which is located on 2, Safdarjung Road, adjacent to the prime minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
“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,” it said.
The club also said that it has sought an urgent appointment with the officials of the housing and urban affairs ministry.
“The immediate priority of the club is to ensure that its operations continue without dislocation,” the communication said, adding that further developments would be shared once it receives a response from the government.
The development comes after the Centre asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its premises by June 5, saying the 27.3-acre land parcel was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" and for other vital public security purposes.
In its May 22 order, the L&DO said the land falls in a highly sensitive and strategic zone and was critically required for urgent institutional and governance-related needs.
The office said the land had originally been leased to the then Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd for operating a social and sporting club, but the President of India exercised powers under the lease deed to terminate the lease and order immediate re-entry of the premises.
According to the order, the entire land parcel, along with all buildings, structures, lawns and fittings would vest with the government upon re-entry, with possession scheduled to be taken over on June 5.
Originally founded on July 3, 1913, as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution was established to serve colonial administrators and military officers.
The word ‘Imperial’ was dropped after India gained Independence in 1947, while the existing structures were constructed in the 1930s.
Chennai | The Centre's move to take over the Delhi Gymkhana Club for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" was a very sad thing to happen, Madras Gymkhana Club president Capt S Seshadri said here on Saturday.
Though the Madras Gymkhana Club had no connection with the Delhi Gymkhana Club except its affiliation, "on a personal note, it's a very sad thing to happen to an institution of such stature - the kind of infrastructure, the swimming pool, building and the beautiful architecture. I feel sad," Seshadri said.
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".
"I understand that there has been some issue quite for some time and that the Central government has been eyeing to take over. I am not very sure what the current situation is, but some say probably the lease might have expired," Seshadri told PTI.
As of now, it was not very clear what they intend to do there. Why do they talk about defence infrastructure and how the club premises would be used to strengthen it. "They have to assign some reason. You can't say I will come and take the property and go away. The club will probably have no other recourse but to go to court and get a stay. Only time will tell whether the judge will grant a stay or not," he said.
"I am not going to say it's fair or not fair. It's beyond my capacity to say that. But I feel sad," he said when asked about his reaction to the development in Delhi.
The club has its own committees and central government officers who were part of the administrative process. It was up to them to decide the course of action to be taken, he said in reply to a specific question.
"I don't know about the composition of that club. It is an entity that belongs to the members. So, what will happen to the assets and how they will resolve it, is something only time will tell. Whether they will appoint an officer to discharge the assets, distribute the amount, is something we don't know. It's only speculation right now," he said.
Seshadri further said, "Except that we are affiliated to the Delhi Gymkhana - which means our members can use their facilities and vice versa - we don't have any connection beyond that. We are affiliated with 90-odd cubs across the world."
The order, issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, stated that the premises, located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi, is critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.
The sprawling Delhi Gymkhana Club is adjacent to the prime minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
New Delhi | The Centre's order asking the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the 27.3-acre premises to it for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" has brought into focus the legal powers available to the Union government and the Land and Development Office (L&DO).
In cases like the Gymkhana Club, the Centre's power flows from the terms of the lease deed.
Besides, the Centre has constitutional powers relating to acquisition of property and there are statutory provisions governing public premises.
Legal experts say the government can take over a property or terminate leases, depending on the nature of ownership and the character of the land.
Where the land belongs to the government and has merely been leased to a private body, club or institution, the government can invoke the re-entry or termination clauses contained in the lease deed in cases of breach of conditions, misuse of land, expiry of the lease tenure or overriding public purpose.
In the present case, the L&DO has issued the order saying the premises, located in a highly-sensitive and strategic area of the national capital, are critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public-security purposes.
The action was initiated through the invocation of Clause 4 of the original lease deed executed in favour of the then Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club.
In Lutyens' Delhi, areas are owned by the President of India and administered through the L&DO, and many clubs and institutions function on leasehold land rather than freehold plots.
Legal action in such cases usually proceeds through the termination of lease, resumption of land and eviction proceedings under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.
Under the Public Premises Act, once a lease is terminated, continued occupation may be treated as unauthorised, enabling eviction proceedings through an estate officer appointed by the Centre.
Apart from contractual powers, the Centre can also acquire private property through the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
However, such acquisition applies in cases of private properties and not on leased government land where compensation rights may be limited because the ownership remains vested in the government.
Article 300A of the Constitution protects property rights by providing that no person shall be deprived of property except by the authority of law.
There have been judgments from various courts, including the Supreme Court, that held that the State cannot arbitrarily dispossess citizens and must follow due process, including notice, hearing and compensation, wherever acquisition laws apply.
Experts say there are judgments that have emphasised that the government's power to resume leased land is not absolute and the power of a judicial review is available on various grounds, such as arbitrariness, mala fides, violation of lease conditions, discrimination, lack of public purpose or a breach of the principles of natural justice.