Rahul Shivshankar@RShivshankar
DELHI GYMKHANA CLUB.
THE LAST VESTIGE OF COLONIAL INDIA AND THE REDOUBT OF BABALOG (LUTYENS) PRIVILEGE, NEPOTISM IS NOW GOING TO BE CLAIMED BY THE CENTRE.
Centre Moves to Take Back Delhi Gymkhana Club Land, Cites Defence and Public Security Needs
In a significant move, the Central Government has ordered the re-entry and resumption of the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises located at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, stating that the land is required for urgent public and strategic purposes. The order was issued on May 22, 2026, by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs through the Land & Development Office (L&DO).
The government stated that the property, spread across 27.3 acres, lies in a highly sensitive and strategic area of the national capital and is now needed for strengthening defence infrastructure, public security arrangements, governance infrastructure, and other public-interest projects.
According to the communication, the premises 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 Delhi Gymkhana Club is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in India. The club 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.
The club traces its origins to July 1913. 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. Historical records relating to the club’s origins are limited, and systematic documentation of its history is understood to have begun only around 1927.
Referring to Clause 4 of the lease deed, the Centre noted that the lessor has the authority to re-enter the premises if the land is required for a public purpose. Exercising those powers, the President of India, acting through the L&DO, has determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property.
The order further states that the entire land parcel, 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 Land & Development Office is scheduled to take over the premises on June 5, 2026. The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been directed to hand over peaceful possession of the property on the said date, failing which possession would be taken in accordance with law.
The communication was signed by Deputy Land & Development Officer Suchit Goyal and issued with the approval of the competent authority.
