Eviction order, security concerns, HC battle: Why Delhi's Gymkhana is in spotlight
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has challenged the Centre's order to vacate its Safdarjung Road premises by June 5. The move has set up a legal fight over security claims, lease rights and the future of members and employees.
“From lush greens and legacy corridors to a high-stakes courtroom battle - the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction row has now reached the High Court.”
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre’s directive asking it to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5.
The matter was mentioned urgently before the High Court by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, following which the court agreed to hear the case on May 26.
Amid the legal battle, senior club member Major General P K Sehgal said the government’s order has triggered panic and uncertainty among members and employees. According to him, the moment members learned about the directive, an emergency meeting was convened. Attended by nearly 500 members, the meeting unanimously decided to approach the High Court.
Sehgal said nearly 15,000 members and around 600 employees stand to be affected if the eviction goes ahead. He claimed the employees’ association president was “virtually crying” during discussions, as staff members were deeply worried about their livelihoods and future.
He also alleged that the order came completely out of the blue, with “no prior notice” or warning from the government. According to him, no alternative site has been offered to the club.
The Centre has said the land is “critically required” for strengthening defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes. Located on Safdarjung Road, the club occupies one of the most strategically sensitive land parcels in the national capital, next to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg and surrounded by key government and defence establishments.
However, Sehgal strongly disputed the security argument. He said the club has coexisted next to the Prime Minister’s residence for the last 34 years and there has never been any reported security lapse or violation linked to the premises.
“When the Prime Minister’s residence shifted there, all security concerns were looked into at that time,” Sehgal said, maintaining that there is “virtually no security threat” from the club.
He further argued that the land was allotted to the club on a perpetual lease and pointed out that several major commercial and institutional areas in Delhi, including Khan Market and Connaught Place, also function under perpetual lease arrangements.
According to Sehgal, while the government may legally have powers over the land, the present move appears “selective” and “not transparent”. He also expressed distrust in the committee constituted in relation to the issue, claiming its members are government appointees who would be unlikely to go against the Centre.
Calling the Gymkhana Club an “iconic legacy institution”, Sehgal said it has historically hosted important diplomatic interactions, discussions involving ambassadors, major sporting events and intellectual gatherings. He said book club meetings, deliberations and several significant conversations have taken place at the premises over the years.
He also highlighted the investment made in the club’s sports infrastructure, including ultra-modern squash courts and other facilities developed at high cost.
“If they want to construct multi-storey buildings there, it will go against the nature of the entire area,” Sehgal said, adding that “you cannot suddenly play against the legacy”.
The club, meanwhile, has maintained that its immediate priority is to ensure operations continue without disruption and that employees’ livelihoods are protected.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard by the Delhi High Court on May 26, where the court is expected to examine whether the Centre’s security concerns outweigh the club’s decades-old legacy, lease rights and institutional significance.
“From lush greens and legacy corridors to a high-stakes courtroom battle - the Delhi Gymkhana Club eviction row has now reached the High Court.”
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre’s directive asking it to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5.
The matter was mentioned urgently before the High Court by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, following which the court agreed to hear the case on May 26.
Amid the legal battle, senior club member Major General P K Sehgal said the government’s order has triggered panic and uncertainty among members and employees. According to him, the moment members learned about the directive, an emergency meeting was convened. Attended by nearly 500 members, the meeting unanimously decided to approach the High Court.
Sehgal said nearly 15,000 members and around 600 employees stand to be affected if the eviction goes ahead. He claimed the employees’ association president was “virtually crying” during discussions, as staff members were deeply worried about their livelihoods and future.
He also alleged that the order came completely out of the blue, with “no prior notice” or warning from the government. According to him, no alternative site has been offered to the club.
The Centre has said the land is “critically required” for strengthening defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes. Located on Safdarjung Road, the club occupies one of the most strategically sensitive land parcels in the national capital, next to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg and surrounded by key government and defence establishments.
However, Sehgal strongly disputed the security argument. He said the club has coexisted next to the Prime Minister’s residence for the last 34 years and there has never been any reported security lapse or violation linked to the premises.
“When the Prime Minister’s residence shifted there, all security concerns were looked into at that time,” Sehgal said, maintaining that there is “virtually no security threat” from the club.
He further argued that the land was allotted to the club on a perpetual lease and pointed out that several major commercial and institutional areas in Delhi, including Khan Market and Connaught Place, also function under perpetual lease arrangements.
According to Sehgal, while the government may legally have powers over the land, the present move appears “selective” and “not transparent”. He also expressed distrust in the committee constituted in relation to the issue, claiming its members are government appointees who would be unlikely to go against the Centre.
Calling the Gymkhana Club an “iconic legacy institution”, Sehgal said it has historically hosted important diplomatic interactions, discussions involving ambassadors, major sporting events and intellectual gatherings. He said book club meetings, deliberations and several significant conversations have taken place at the premises over the years.
He also highlighted the investment made in the club’s sports infrastructure, including ultra-modern squash courts and other facilities developed at high cost.
“If they want to construct multi-storey buildings there, it will go against the nature of the entire area,” Sehgal said, adding that “you cannot suddenly play against the legacy”.
The club, meanwhile, has maintained that its immediate priority is to ensure operations continue without disruption and that employees’ livelihoods are protected.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard by the Delhi High Court on May 26, where the court is expected to examine whether the Centre’s security concerns outweigh the club’s decades-old legacy, lease rights and institutional significance.
