Government Initiates Eviction Proceedings Against Delhi Gymkhana Club
The Union Government has issued a statutory show-cause notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, demanding an explanation for why it should not be evicted from its 27.3-acre premises at Safdarjung Road. The deadline for the club's response is July 7, 2026.
The notice was issued by the Estate Officer under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. The Centre claims that the club has become an unauthorised occupant following the termination of its perpetual lease.
Lease Termination and Public Purpose Claim
According to the notice, the government resumed the land after the President of India exercised powers under the lease deed to reclaim the property for a public purpose. The Centre argues that the club ceased to have any legal right to occupy the premises once the lease was terminated.
The club has been directed to file its response by July 7 and appear before the Estate Officer at 2:30 pm the same day, either through its office-bearers or an authorised representative, along with any documentary or oral evidence in its defence. The notice warns that failure to respond or appear could result in ex parte proceedings, allowing the Estate Officer to decide the matter without hearing the club's side.
Background and Government's Stance
The show-cause notice follows the Centre's plea before the Estate Officer seeking a declaration that the club is an unauthorised occupant and its eviction under the Public Premises Act. The government maintains that the land, located at 2, Safdarjung Road, is valuable public property situated in a strategically sensitive area of the national capital and is required for defence infrastructure, public security, governance infrastructure, and other public-interest projects.
According to the Centre, the lease was terminated through a notice issued on May 22, 2026, directing the club to vacate the premises by June 5. The government alleges that the club failed to hand over possession, prompting the initiation of eviction proceedings.
