Legal battle over Delhi Gymkhana Club: Member moves High Court after Centre seeks takeover of iconic Lutyens’ property

The legal battle over one of the capital’s most prominent institutional properties intensified on Monday after the Delhi Gymkhana Club approached the High Court against the Centre’s move to reclaim its sprawling Safdarjung Road premises, citing national security and public infrastructure requirements. The dispute centres around the 27.3-acre property located near the Prime Minister’s official residence in the high-security Lutyens’ Delhi zone.

The matter gained urgency after the Union government issued directions asking the club to vacate the premises by June 5, triggering concern among members of one of India’s oldest social institutions. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, acting through the Land and Development Office, has formally issued an eviction notice to the club management.

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High Court to hear challenge against eviction notice

The petition was mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who sought an urgent hearing on behalf of club member Vijay Khurana. Following the request, the Delhi High Court agreed to take up the matter on Tuesday, May 26.

The challenge has been filed against the Union government’s decision to resume possession of the property situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, an area that falls within the heavily secured administrative and diplomatic heart of the national capital.

Centre cites public security and defence requirements

According to the notice issued on May 22 by Deputy Land and Development Officer Suchit Goyal, the government intends to reclaim the land for strengthening defence-linked infrastructure and other strategic public security needs.

The communication stated that the land was required to meet urgent governance and institutional demands and would also be integrated with adjoining government properties earmarked for public-interest projects.

Invoking provisions of the perpetual lease agreement, the Centre said the lessor retained the authority to retake possession of the property if the land became necessary for public purposes. The notice further stated that the President of India, acting through the Land and Development Office, had exercised those powers and ordered re-entry into the premises.

The government also maintained that all structures, facilities, lawns and fittings situated on the property would vest fully with the President upon resumption of possession.

Historic institution at centre of high-profile dispute

Established in 1913 during the colonial period, the Delhi Gymkhana Club remains one of the country’s most exclusive and historically significant institutions. Over the decades, it has emerged as a key gathering space for senior bureaucrats, diplomats, defence officials and influential public figures.

The current Safdarjung Road premises were developed in the early 1930s by architect Robert T. Russell, who was also associated with the design of Connaught Place and the former Commander-in-Chief’s residence, later known as Teen Murti House.

The club reportedly has around 5,600 permanent members and is known for its long waiting period for membership, with applicants often remaining on the list for several years.