Centre orders re-entry, resumption of Delhi Gymkhana Club land citing public interest
By Sushil Batra, New Delhi, May 23
The Central Government on Friday ordered the re-entry and resumption of the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, citing urgent public purpose and national interest considerations.
The order was issued on May 22, 2026, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land & Development Office (L&DO).
According to the order, the land had originally been leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., for the purpose of maintaining a social and sporting club. However, the government stated that the premises fall within a "highly sensitive and strategic area" of the national capital and are now critically required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other public security purposes.
The Centre further stated that the land is necessary for "urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects" integrated with adjoining government land parcels.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club is regarded as one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in India.
It shifted to its present location in 1913 and was then known as the "Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club", with Spencer Harcourt Butler serving as its first President. After India attained Independence in 1947, the word "Imperial" was dropped, and the institution came to be known simply as the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
The club traces its origins to July 1913. In its early years, the Polo Club functioned as part of the Gymkhana Club before becoming a separate entity in the 1930s after shifting to New Delhi.
Historical records relating to the club's origins are limited, and detailed documentation of its history is understood to have started only after 1927.
Invoking Clause 4 of the lease deed, the government noted that the lessor is empowered to re-enter the premises and terminate the lease if the property is required for a public purpose. Exercising these powers, the President of India, acting through the L&DO, determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property.
The order states that the entire 27.3-acre plot, along with all buildings, structures, lawns and fittings standing on it, shall vest absolutely with the President of India through the Land & Development Office.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed to hand over peaceful possession of the property to government representatives on or before June 5, 2026, failing which possession would be taken in accordance with law.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the government's need for land in strategic areas, I hope this isn't just a land grab disguised as national interest. The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been a cultural institution for over a century, and many members have generations of memories there. Before bulldozing everything, the government should at least preserve its architectural heritage and consider moving the club to an alternative site. This kind of abrupt eviction without proper rehabilitation reflects poorly on our governance.
About time! These "prestigious" clubs in Lutyens' Delhi have been acting like private fiefdoms on public land for too long. The gymkhana club was originally created for British officers and elites, and even after independence, it remained an exclusive space for the wealthy and powerful. Now the government is reclaiming it for actual public use - defense and governance infrastructure that benefits all Indians. No more elitism on taxpayer land! 😤
Interesting timing with elections coming up. 🤔 The government says it's for "defense infrastructure" but hasn't specified any concrete project. Also, giving just 2 weeks to vacate after 113 years of existence seems harsh. The club employs hundreds of workers - gardeners, cooks, cleaners, waitstaff. What happens to them? The government should at least give a detailed plan for rehabilitation of employees and preservation of the club's heritage. Vacate the land, yes, but do it humanely.
As someone who grew up in Delhi, I've always found these colonial-era clubs fascinating but also problematic. On one hand, the Gymkhana Club has beautiful architecture and grounds that are part of Delhi's heritage. On the other hand, it represents an exclusive, elitist culture that doesn't align with modern India's democratic values. If the government genuinely needs this land for national security purposes, then it's the right call. But I hope they handle the transition with dignity and respect for the history involved.