New Delhi: The 113-year-old Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed by the Centre to hand over its 27.3 acre property on 2, Safdarjung Road to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs by June 5, failing which authorities will take possession.
The Centre has cited urgent public purpose and national interest considerations, in an order issued on May 22, 2026, by the Ministry through the Land & Development Office (L&DO).
The land had originally been leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., now known as Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd., for the purpose of maintaining a social and sporting club, the order states. However, the government now says that the premises fall within a “highly sensitive and strategic area” of the national capital and are now critically required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other public security purposes, as reported by ANI.
The Club has decided to challeng
e this order before a court of law.
The land is necessary for “urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects” integrated with adjoining government land parcels, the Centre further said.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club – regarded as one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in India – shifted to its present location in 1913 and was then known as the “Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club”, with Spencer Harcourt Butler serving as its first President. After India attained Independence in 1947, the word “Imperial” was dropped, and the institution came to be known simply as the Delhi Gymkhana Club.
In its early years, the Polo Club functioned as part of the Gymkhana Club before becoming a separate entity in the 1930s after shifting to New Delhi.
The government has invoked Clause 4 of the lease deed that empowers the lessor to re-enter the premises and terminate the lease if the property is required for a public purpose. Exercising these powers, the President of India, acting through the L&DO, determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property.
The entire 27.3-acre plot, along with all buildings, structures, lawns and fittings standing on it, shall vest absolutely with the President of India through the Land & Development Office, the order states.