The Indian government has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club, located in Lutyens' Delhi, to hand over its premises by June 5, 2026, citing the need for strengthening defence infrastructure. The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The club, established in 1913, occupies prime land in the heart of the capital. The government's decision follows a long-standing dispute over the land's ownership and usage, with the club arguing it holds a perpetual lease. However, the L&DO maintains that the land is government property and is required for national security purposes.
Club members have expressed dismay over the move, with some planning to challenge the order legally. The government has not specified the exact defence project for which the land will be used, but sources indicate it may involve expanding nearby military facilities.
This is not the first time the club has faced such a directive; similar notices were issued in the past but were contested. The current order gives the club less than two weeks to vacate, raising concerns about the short timeline for relocating its operations and preserving historical records.
