‘Delhi Gymkhana Is Public Property’: Centre Moves For Eviction, Club Asked To Show Cause Why It Shouldn’t

Last Updated:July 01, 2026, 14:36 IST

The Delhi Gymkhana Club was asked to hand over vacant possession by June 5, 2026, but allegedly failed to do so, the Centre said

The Centre has filed a plaint before the Estate Officer seeking the eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre premises on Safdarjung Road in New Delhi, contending that the land is public property vested in the Union.

According to the plaint, the Centre has invoked Clause 4 of the 1928 Perpetual Lease Deed to resume the property, stating that the land is required for defence infrastructure, public security and other public purposes.

The government said it issued a notice on May 22, 2026, determining the lease and directing re-entry into the property. The Club was asked to hand over vacant possession by June 5, 2026, but allegedly failed to do so.

The Centre contended that following the termination of the lease, the Club’s continued occupation of the premises amounts to “unauthorized occupation" under the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971 (PPA). The Union has told the Estate Officer that the land is urgently required for institutional, governance and defence-related purposes.

The plaint also refers to earlier eviction orders passed by the Estate Officer on May 20, 2026, and seeks a declaration that the Club is in unauthorized occupation of the premises. The Centre has further sought an eviction order and directions to ensure the peaceful handover of vacant possession of the property to the Union of India.

SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE ISSUED

A show-cause notice has been issued to the Delhi Gymkhana Club under Section 4(1) read with Section 4(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971.

According to the notice issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO), once the lease was lawfully terminated and the property resumed for a public purpose, the Club’s continued occupation falls within the definition of an “unauthorized occupant" under Section 2(g) of the Act.

The Estate Officer has called upon the Club to show cause by July 7, 2026, as to why an eviction order should not be passed against it. The Club has also been directed to appear before the Estate Officer, either in person or through a duly authorised representative, at 2:30 pm on July 7, and produce any evidence or submissions in its defence.

The notice states that if the Club fails to appear on the scheduled date and time, the matter may be decided ex parte, allowing the Estate Officer to proceed without hearing the Club’s submissions.

THE DELHI GYMKHANA CLUB ROW

The Delhi Gymkhana Club row centers on a high-stakes legal and political battle after the Central Government issued a lease termination and eviction notice to the 113-year-old elite institution to vacate its 27.3-acre prime property in Lutyens’ Delhi

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued an order terminating the club’s 1928 perpetual lease. The ministry initially demanded that the club hand over possession by June 5, 2026.

The government invoked Clause 4 of the lease deed, asserting that the highly sensitive plot—located near the Prime Minister’s official residence—is critically required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" and other vital public security needs.

Beyond strategic needs, authorities highlighted a history of financial irregularities, tax evasion, and opaque management. After the government dramatically raised the nominal British-era rent to current market valuations, the club allegedly amassed outstanding dues and penalties totaling ₹47.6 crore.

About the Author

Simran BabbarSenior Correspondent

Simran Babbar is a Senior Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering key developments in emerging sectors related to education and investigations. Through her reports, she brings significant updates from t...Read More

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