The legal dispute over the future of the Delhi Gymkhana Club is set to escalate as permanent members and employees prepare to challenge the Centre's eviction order in the Delhi High Court. The Land and Development Office (L&DO), operating under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, has directed the club to vacate its 27.3-acre premises on Safdarjung Road by June 5, citing national security and defence infrastructure requirements.
Legal Representation and Employee Concerns
Club members have reportedly engaged senior advocate and Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi to represent them in court. Meanwhile, a separate petition is being planned on behalf of the club's nearly 600 employees. Members have questioned the government's assertion that the area poses security risks, arguing that the club has coexisted with high-security establishments for decades without any incidents.
Government Committee Seeks Clarity
The government-appointed General Committee has sought clarification from authorities on several issues, including potential relocation options, protection of employees, and compensation for investments made in the club's infrastructure. Employees and members have expressed deep concerns over the potential loss of livelihoods, disruption of club operations, and the uncertain future of one of Delhi's oldest and most elite institutions.
Public Figures React
The controversy has drawn reactions from several prominent figures. Former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi described the move as "tragic and unfortunate," emphasizing that the club is an integral part of Delhi's sporting and institutional heritage. Historians and former diplomats have also criticized the decision, stating that the Delhi Gymkhana Club represents a significant part of the capital's social and cultural history.
