2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: May 23, 2026 01:10 PM IST
The Union government on Friday started the process of taking back the land leased to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, saying the 27.3 acre-plot was required for “strengthening and securing Defence infrastructure”.
The Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs wrote to the Club’s Secretary initiating the “re-entry and resumption of premises comprising Delhi Gymkhana Club, 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi”. As per Clause 4 of the lease deed, the premises can be re-entered, which means that the government can take back the leased property, if it or any part of it is required for a public purpose.
In its letter, the L&DO said the premises was located in a highly sensitive and strategic area and was “critically required for strengthening and securing of Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes. The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands,” the L&DO said, referring to the recent removal of slums from the nearby Race Course Road.
The L&DO asked for the premises to be handed over on June 5, failing which “possession shall be taken in accordance with law”.
The club has operated from the location since 1913, when it was called the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, it was renamed Delhi Gymkhana Club. The present buildings were constructed in the 1930s.
