Delhi High Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea Challenging Delhi Gymkhana Club Eviction
Court Asks Government to Defer Eviction Proceedings as Historic Club, Members and Staff Challenge Show-Cause Notice
The Delhi High Court has sought the Central Government’s response to petitions challenging the eviction proceedings initiated against the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre premises on Safdarjung Road in Lutyens’ Delhi. The Court also requested that the eviction proceedings before the Estate Officer be deferred until after the next hearing before the High Court, providing temporary procedural relief to the club, its members and employees.
Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Union Government on applications filed by club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. Staff Welfare Association. The petitioners have sought a stay on the operation of the show-cause notice issued under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, contending that the eviction proceedings should not continue while the legality of the lease termination remains under judicial scrutiny.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, informed the Court that the government would file its response to the applications. He also suggested that the petitioners could seek an adjournment before the Estate Officer. The High Court, however, requested the Centre to ensure that the hearing before the Estate Officer, originally fixed for July 7, is postponed until after the next date of hearing before the High Court on July 28.
The dispute stems from the Land and Development Office’s (L&DO) order dated May 22, 2026, terminating the Delhi Gymkhana Club’s perpetual lease and directing the club to vacate the premises by June 5. The Centre has maintained that the land is required for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure” and other public purposes, invoking provisions contained in the original lease deed that permit re-entry when the land is needed for public use.
After the lease was terminated, the L&DO issued a fresh show-cause notice on June 29 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, alleging that the club’s continued occupation had become unauthorized. The notice required the club and all occupants to explain why an eviction order should not be passed and directed them to appear before the Estate Officer for a personal hearing.
The petitioners have argued that the eviction proceedings are premature because the High Court is already examining the validity of the lease termination itself. According to the applications, initiating eviction proceedings before adjudication of the principal dispute could prejudice the rights of the club and its members. They have also questioned the government’s reliance on defence infrastructure needs, contending that the justification is vague and unsupported by specific material.
The Centre had earlier assured the High Court in May that it would not take forcible possession of the property and would proceed strictly in accordance with the procedure established by law. The latest proceedings relate specifically to the subsequent show-cause notice issued by the Estate Officer after the lease termination.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club, established during the colonial era, occupies one of the most prominent parcels of land in central Delhi and has long been regarded as one of India’s most prestigious private clubs. The litigation has attracted significant public attention because it involves both the future of a historic institution and the Centre’s stated objective of utilizing the land for strategic public infrastructure.
The High Court has now fixed July 28, 2026, for further hearing. By then, the Union Government is expected to place its detailed response on record, after which the Court will consider whether any interim protection should continue and whether the eviction proceedings can lawfully proceed while the challenge to the lease termination remains pending.
