Delhi Gymkhana Club Moves High Court Against Centre's Direction To Vacate 27.3-Acre Lutyens' Delhi Premises

A suit has been filed by the members of the prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club before the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre's order directing it to vacate its 27.3 acre premises in Lutyens' Delhi by June 5.

The matter was mentioned before a bench of Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday (May 25) by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for urgent listing. The case will be heard tomorrow (May 26).

Central government has claimed the land parcel is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi and is “critically required for the strengthening and securing of Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.

The premises situated at Safdarjung Road were leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. (now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for maintaining a social and sporting club.

Clause 4 of the Lease Deed expressly provided that if the premises are required for a public purpose then, it shall be lawful for the Lessor to re-enter the premises, Centre claims.