Centre asks Delhi Gymkhana Club to handover possession of its property, cites ‘national security considerations’

The Narendra Modi government has asked the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over possession of its property by June 5, 2026, citing “public purpose, defence infrastructure and national security considerations.”

In a notice issued to the Club’s Secretary, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs initiated the “re-entry and resumption of the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club land at Safdarjung Road, New Delhi.”

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The 27.3-acre plot at the heart of the national capital, Delhi, was given to the Club on lease in 1913 by the then British government.

As per the clause of the lease, the government can take back the property (re-entry) if it is required for a public purpose.

As per the L&DO order, the government will initiate the possession process in accordance with law if the Club fails to hand over the leased property in time.

In a communication to the members, the Delhi Gymkhana Club said that it has received a communication dated 22 May 2026 from the L&DO of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs seeking re-entry and resumption of the premises of the club in terms of a requirement.

The Club said that it will write an immediate response to the L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the Club.

“Pursuant to the sudden development, the GC today met on an urgent basis and after detailed deliberation decided to write an immediate response to L&DO requesting clarity on several issues in the interest of the members and employees of the Club,” read the Club’s communication.

The Club also requested an urgent appointment for the GC members to meet with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs officials.

“The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure that the operations of the Club continue without dislocation,” it added.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest Clubs in India. It moved to its present location on the 3rd July 1913. It was then called the “Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club” and Spencer Harcourt Butler was its first President.

When India gained Independence in 1947, the word “Imperial” was dropped and it was simply known as “Delhi Gymkhana Club”.