Centre approaches Estate Officer to evict Delhi Gymkhana Club, cites defence needs

The Centre has approached the Estate Officer seeking the eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre premises at 2, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi, stating that the land is required for defence infrastructure, public security and other public-interest projects. The proceedings have been initiated under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

Centre seeks eviction

According to the complaint filed before the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the government stated that the land belongs to the Union of India and qualifies as public premises under the 1971 Act.

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Elaborating further, the government stated that the property was leased in 1928 to the then Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd, under a perpetual lease deed.

It relied on Clause 4 of the lease deed, which permits the government to resume possession of the land if it is required for a public purpose, reported the Hindustan Times.

Lease termination cited

The Centre further argued that following the termination of the lease under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed and the government's re-entry into the property, the club's continued occupation of the premises had become "wholly unauthorised and illegal".

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It contended that Delhi Gymkhana Club now falls within the definition of an "unauthorised occupant" under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, and is therefore liable to eviction in accordance with law.

The Centre stated that the premises are located in a "highly sensitive" and strategically important part of the national capital and are required for strengthening defence infrastructure, public security requirements, governance infrastructure and other public-interest projects. It also notes that adjoining government land in the vicinity has already been resumed by the Centre.

Club moves Delhi High Court

According to the filing, the President of India, acting through the L&DO, issued a notice on May 22, 2026, terminating the lease and directing the club to hand over possession by June 5.

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The government alleged that the club failed to vacate the premises and continues to occupy the property despite the termination of the lease. It has sought an order declaring the Delhi Gymkhana Club an unauthorised occupant and directing its eviction, along with vacant possession of the property.

The club has challenged the government's decision before the Delhi High Court. The Centre stated that the High Court declined to grant an injunction against the takeover and that possession would be taken in accordance with law.