NEW DELHI: Central govt has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), one of the oldest clubs in India, which is located next to PM’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi, to hand over the premises by June 5 for the “strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.Govt had given 27.3 acres of land on perpetual lease to DGC in 1928. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under housing and urban affairs ministry said it has ordered “re-entry” — which means premature termination of lease and repossession — with “immediate effect” of the property.It added that upon such “re-entry”, the entire plot of land, along with all its buildings, structures, lawns and fittings, “shall vest absolutely” with L&DO. The order directed DGC to “hand over peaceful possession of the premises”; in the event of noncompliance, possession “shall be taken over in accordance with law”.The club has been operated from 2, Safdarjung Road since 1913, when it was called Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, it was renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club. The present buildings were constructed in the 1930s. For over a century, getting into DGC has been less about money and more about whether one fits into Delhi’s ‘elite class’, since it symbolises power and privilege.The move to take back the land parcel comes at a time when L&DO has issued similar directives to occupants of other govt land along Lok Kalyan Marg. Though the exact purpose of the move is not yet known, people aware of the development did not rule out the possibility of this land parcel, along with others that would be vacated around the area, being utilised for redevelopment, including construction of highly secure residences and establishments for top govt functionaries.The L&DO, in its notice, said the club is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi. “The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with resumption of adjoining govt lands,” it said.In a communication to the members, the DGC’s general secretary said that the General Committee (GC) had an urgent meeting on Saturday and decided to send an “immediate response” to L&DO requesting clarity on issues in the interests of members and employees. He said the committee members will seek an urgent meeting with ministry officials. “The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure operations of the club continue without dislocation,” it said.Recently, Centre had defended in Delhi High Court its move seeking eviction of the Indian Polo Association, which runs Jaipur Polo Ground opposite PM’s residence. The Government had cited the sensitive location of the area and national security concerns to argue that it is also taking steps to take possession of other such land parcels in that area for larger public purposes.“A strong case will be made against the L&DO order to seek relief from the court. But let’s see how far we can counter govt’s claim of the land being taken back for defence and security purposes. Also, this order comes close to expiry of the current lease,” said a senior member of DGC.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Free Mein Milega’: Iran Tells Marco Rubio To Take ‘Sabhyata Ka Crash Course’ In IndiaNDA Faces Seat Shift In Rajya Sabha Polls While Vijay’s TVK Gains Major OpportunityRaghav Chadha Appointed Chairman Of Petitions Committee In Rajya Sabha Weeks After Joining BJPVinesh Phogat Gets Relief From Delhi HC Ahead Of Asian Games 2026 Selection Trials’Whole-Of-Nation Approach’: CDS Chauhan Says Future Wars Will Span Cyber, Cognitive DomainsMarco Rubio Meets PM Modi In India As Both Nations Deepen Strategic And Technology TiesTwisha Sharma Case: Family Alleges Samarth Singh Received VIP Treatment Inside Court Premises‘In The Near Future’: Marco Rubio Invites PM Modi To White House ‘On Behalf Of Trump’‘Cannot Be Changed Verbally’: TMC’s Kunal Ghosh Questions Bengal Govt’s Direct Deportation MoveMost-Wanted Terrorists Gather At Funeral Of Al Badr Commander Hamza Burhan In Islamabad, Pakistan123PhotostoriesBenefits of Hanging a Horseshoe at Home Entrance5 morning drinks that actually help with bloating and gas (without tasting like medicine)Zayn Malik-Gigi Hadid to Ben Affleck-Jennifer Garner: Hollywood stars co-parenting children after divorceYour teen daughter is probably going through these 4 struggles: How you can help as a parentOptical illusion personality test: Women, river, bridge or boat? What you see first could reveal one of your worst traitsSecrets of Kedarnath Temple: 10 fascinating facts every traveller should knowOne dreamy yellow saree and Madhuri Dixit reminding everyone why she is iconic7 signs your mind feels cluttered because your space is too stimulatingLove quote of the day by Marilyn Monroe: “The real lover is a man who…”Delivery agents most exposed to heatwaves: 9 foods and drinks to offer delivery agents in summer123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Vinesh PhogatUP HeatwaveHardoi fireNID DAT counselling 2026TN Ministers ListTop TrendingTwisha SharmaVaibhav SooryavanshiNFL Draft RumorFaridabad Volleyball Player MurderNew Green Card RuleJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Megan Thee StallionRico verhoevenWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana
NEW DELHI: Central govt has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), one of the oldest clubs in India, which is located next to PM’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi, to hand over the premises by June 5 for the “strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.Govt had given 27.3 acres of land on perpetual lease to DGC in 1928. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under housing and urban affairs ministry said it has ordered “re-entry” — which means premature termination of lease and repossession — with “immediate effect” of the property.It added that upon such “re-entry”, the entire plot of land, along with all its buildings, structures, lawns and fittings, “shall vest absolutely” with L&DO. The order directed DGC to “hand over peaceful possession of the premises”; in the event of noncompliance, possession “shall be taken over in accordance with law”.The club has been operated from 2, Safdarjung Road since 1913, when it was called Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, it was renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club. The present buildings were constructed in the 1930s. For over a century, getting into DGC has been less about money and more about whether one fits into Delhi’s ‘elite class’, since it symbolises power and privilege.The move to take back the land parcel comes at a time when L&DO has issued similar directives to occupants of other govt land along Lok Kalyan Marg. Though the exact purpose of the move is not yet known, people aware of the development did not rule out the possibility of this land parcel, along with others that would be vacated around the area, being utilised for redevelopment, including construction of highly secure residences and establishments for top govt functionaries.The L&DO, in its notice, said the club is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi. “The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with resumption of adjoining govt lands,” it said.In a communication to the members, the DGC’s general secretary said that the General Committee (GC) had an urgent meeting on Saturday and decided to send an “immediate response” to L&DO requesting clarity on issues in the interests of members and employees. He said the committee members will seek an urgent meeting with ministry officials. “The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure operations of the club continue without dislocation,” it said.Recently, Centre had defended in Delhi High Court its move seeking eviction of the Indian Polo Association, which runs Jaipur Polo Ground opposite PM’s residence. The Government had cited the sensitive location of the area and national security concerns to argue that it is also taking steps to take possession of other such land parcels in that area for larger public purposes.“A strong case will be made against the L&DO order to seek relief from the court. But let’s see how far we can counter govt’s claim of the land being taken back for defence and security purposes. Also, this order comes close to expiry of the current lease,” said a senior member of DGC.