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Delhi Gymkhana moves court against eviction order
25 May 2026

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the Delhi High Court against a central government order asking it to vacate its 27.3-acre premises at 2, Safdarjung Road by June 5.

The plea was filed by club member Vijay Khurana and mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who sought an urgent hearing.

The judge agreed to list the case for hearing on May 26 (Tuesday).

L&DO issued order to vacate premises
Eviction order

On May 22, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued an order to vacate the premises, citing clause 4 of the original lease deed.

This clause permits land resumption for "public purpose."

The government said it needed the land, located near high-security installations in Lutyens' Delhi, for "strengthening and securing of defense infrastructure" and other vital public security purposes.

Club to challenge government's order on 2 main grounds
Legal counter

The order follows a long-standing governance dispute.

In April 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal allowed the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to nominate directors to the club's general committee over mismanagement.

The club plans to challenge the government's order on two main grounds: first, that the government-appointed committee exceeded its legal authority by not holding elections in June 2025; second, that resuming a perpetual lease requires an extremely compelling necessity, and compensation is mandatory if a public purpose is established.

Wider implications for all establishments on leased land
Property concerns

The case has wider implications for all establishments on leased L&DO land in Delhi.

Senior officials at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs did not respond to requests for comment on this matter.

Separately, Gymkhana urged the Centre to ensure no dislocation of operations until clarity emerges on relocation and alternative land allotment possibilities.