Delhi Gymkhana Club Asked To Vacate Premises by June 5 As Centre Cites Defence Infrastructure and National Security Needs
The Centre has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to hand over its premises by June 5, citing the requirement of the land for strengthening defence infrastructure and meeting urgent public purpose needs. The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The Centre has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to hand over its premises by June 5, citing the requirement of the land for strengthening defence infrastructure and meeting urgent public purpose needs. The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
According to the official communication, the government has invoked its powers of “re-entry and resumption” under the terms governing the land allotment. The notice stated that the premises would be taken over by the Land and Development Office on June 5, 2026. Delhi Fire: Shastri Park Furniture Market Gutted in Massive Blaze, Locals Stone Fire Tenders Claiming Delayed Response (Watch Videos).
The Centre said the land occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club is required for “public purpose”, “governance infrastructure”, and “national security considerations”. Officials added that the location falls within a strategically sensitive zone in the national capital, close to important government institutions, diplomatic establishments and defence-linked facilities. Delhi Heatwave: City Records First Major Heatstroke Case of Summer As 24-Year-Old Man Collapses During Train Journey, Admitted to RML Hospital.
The order has revived the long-standing dispute between the Union Government and the elite Delhi Gymkhana Club regarding the status and control of the prime land parcel in Lutyens’ Delhi. The property has historically remained under government lease arrangements dating back to the post-Independence period.
Located near Safdarjung Road in central Delhi, the Delhi Gymkhana Club occupies one of the most valuable land parcels in the capital. Authorities said the government now considers the land essential for strengthening institutional and defence-related infrastructure in the area.
The communication issued to the club management directed authorities to peacefully vacate and hand over possession of the premises within the stipulated deadline. Officials maintained that the decision was taken keeping larger public interest and administrative requirements in mind.
The latest move is expected to trigger fresh discussions over government control of high-value land in Lutyens’ Delhi and the future of legacy institutions functioning from such premises. Further developments are awaited regarding the club’s response to the Centre’s order and any possible legal or administrative action in the matter.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 23, 2026 02:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).