govt-initiates-delhi-gymkhana-club-eviction-cites-defence-needs

The Centre has initiated legal proceedings to recover possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises after the expiry of its lease, saying the land is required for defence infrastructure, public security and other government purposes.

 

The Land and Development Office (L&DO) has issued a notice under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, directing representatives of the club to appear for a hearing on July 7. The notice follows the expiry of the club's lease on May 22, after which the government said the continued occupation of the property had become unauthorised.

 

Located on nearly 27.3 acres along Safdarjung Road in the national capital, the property has been described by the government as valuable public land vested in the Union of India. It has argued that such land must be utilised in accordance with larger public interest and cannot remain under unauthorised occupation once the lease has ended.

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According to the government, the site is urgently required to strengthen defence infrastructure, enhance public security and meet institutional and governance requirements. The authorities have also cited the need to resume adjoining government land as part of the proposed exercise.

 

The Centre had earlier asked the club to vacate the premises by June 5, but the property has not yet been handed over.

 

The land was originally leased in 1928 to the Imperial Gymkhana Club during the British era and continued to be occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club after Independence.

 

Following the government's decision to reclaim the property, members of the club moved the Delhi High Court seeking relief. However, the court did not stay the Centre's decision. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the government would proceed strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed under law.

 

The eviction proceedings mark the latest step in the Centre's efforts to recover possession of the high-value property for what it says are strategic and public purposes.