The Gymkhana Club, located in the Lutyens’ Zone of the capital, Delhi, has received another “show cause” notice. The notice, spread over 27 acres, has been issued under the Public Premises Act, 1971. The notice asks the club to explain why an eviction order should not be issued against it. The notice follows a complaint from the Central Government alleging that the club is illegally occupying the property located at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi.
According to the notice issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO), the club’s continued occupation of the property, even after its perpetual lease legally expired and the government reclaimed the land for public purposes, falls under the definition of “unauthorized occupation” under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises Act, 1971.
The government states that the lease in favor of the club was terminated after the President of India exercised his powers under Section 4 of the perpetual lease deed. This section allows the lessor to take back the land if needed for a public purpose. The government contends that once the lease expired and the property was taken back, the club no longer had any legal right to retain possession and its occupation became illegal.
Therefore, the Estate Officer has asked the Delhi Gymkhana Club to explain why an eviction order should not be issued against it on or before July 7, 2026, under the provisions of the Public Premises Act.
The notice also directs the Club to appear before the Estate Officer through its officials or duly authorized representative on July 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. The representative is instructed to answer all relevant questions related to the proceedings and be prepared to present any documentary or oral evidence the Club may use in its defense. The Estate Officer also warned that if the Club fails to appear or file its reply on the scheduled date and time, the case may be decided ex parte. This could allow the Estate Officer to initiate eviction proceedings and pass appropriate orders without hearing the Club’s side.
The government states that the 27.3-acre property is valuable government land located in a strategically sensitive area of the national capital. It is needed for strengthening defense infrastructure, public security, administrative infrastructure, and other public interest projects.
The government states that the 27.3-acre property is valuable government land located in a strategically sensitive area of the national capital. This is needed to strengthen defense infrastructure, public security, administrative infrastructure, and other public interest projects.
The government also stated in its complaint that, following the expiry of the lease, the club was directed to peacefully surrender possession of the property by June 5, 2026, through a notice dated May 22, 2026. It is alleged that despite the notice, the club did not vacate the property and continued to occupy it. The government has demanded the removal of the club and the return of the property to the Government of India.
The club challenged the eviction notice received in May in the Delhi High Court. In its complaint to the Estate Officer, the central government stated that the High Court had refused to grant a stay against the seizure and that possession of the property would be taken in accordance with the law.
The 113-year-old club is one of the most exclusive in the country, with a membership that includes select bureaucrats, military officers, the capital’s influential figures, and intellectuals. The club boasts 26 grass tennis courts, four hard courts, a flex-cushion court, a squash court, a badminton court, a billiards room, basketball facilities, a swimming pool, and a health club. It also has a luxurious restaurant, lounge, bar, banquet hall, library, card room, massage service, beauty parlor, children’s area, and 43 transit rooms and cottages for members and guests.