The Delhi Gymkhana Club, one of India's oldest and most prestigious elite social institutions, is set to be evicted from its 27.3-acre premises at 2, Safdarjung Road in Lutyens Delhi by the Union government on 5 June, according to an official eviction notice made available on Saturday, 23 May. The government has cited the need to strengthen Defence infrastructure and fulfil public security purposes as grounds for reclaiming the strategically located land.

What the Eviction Notice Says

The notice, signed by Deputy Land and Development Officer Suchit Goyal and issued to the Club on 22 May, states that the premises are located in a 'highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi' and are 'critically required for the strengthening and securing of Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes.' The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs described the action as a 're-entry and resumption of premises,' linking it to urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands.

The Club's General Committee and Secretary have been directed to hand over 'peaceful possession' of the premises — including all buildings, structures, lawns, and fittings — to representatives of the Land and Development Office on 5 June. The notice warned that in the event of non-compliance, 'possession shall be taken in accordance with law.'

Legal Basis for Reclamation

The notice invoked Clause 4 of the Club's lease deed, which grants the lessor the authority to re-enter the premises if the land is required for a public purpose. Acting through the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the President of India has formally determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry. The entire land parcel, along with all structures on it, will vest absolutely with the President through the L&DO.

Notably, the Club's premises sit in close proximity to the official Prime Minister's Residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, lending credence to the government's stated security rationale.

About the Delhi Gymkhana Club

Established in July 1913, the Delhi Gymkhana Club has long served as a central gathering hub for senior bureaucrats, diplomats, and military officials. Its iconic main buildings were designed by architect Robert T Russell, who also designed Connaught Place and the Commander-in-Chief's residence — later known as Teen Murti House, the official residence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Club moved to its current address in the early 1930s.

The Club maintains a cap of approximately 5,600 permanent members, with around 100 new permanent members admitted each year. It carries a notoriously long waiting list — aspiring civilian members reportedly wait over 40 years for a spot, and must deposit an application fee of over ₹7 lakh to reserve a place in the queue. A quota exists for government and defence personnel in the annual membership intake.

What Happens Next

The Club management has until 5 June to comply with the handover directive. It remains to be seen whether the Club will mount a legal challenge before that date. The government has not publicly detailed what specific infrastructure or security installations are planned for the site. All eyes are now on whether one of colonial-era Delhi's most storied institutions will seek judicial relief before the deadline.