The Delhi Gymkhana Club has decided to seek clarification from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) after the Centre directed the club to vacate its premises by June 5.
Meanwhile, members of the 113-year-old institution — regarded as one of Delhi’s oldest and most influential clubs — are preparing to legally challenge the Centre’s move to take over the property.
In a communication to its members, the club said the government had informed it that the land at 2, Safdarjung Road, in Lutyens’ Delhi — spread across 27.3 acres and located adjacent to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg — was required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other critical public security purposes.
The club said it received a notice from the L&DO under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on May 22, seeking “re-entry and resumption” of the land.
Following an urgent meeting, the club’s management decided to submit an immediate response to the L&DO seeking clarity on several issues concerning the interests of its members and employees.
The club has also sought an urgent meeting with officials of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. It said its immediate priority was to ensure that operations continue without disruption, adding that members would be informed of further developments after the government responds.
In its May 22 order, the L&DO stated that the land falls within a highly sensitive and strategic zone and is urgently required for institutional, governance and security-related purposes.
