Delhi Gymkhana Club challenges eviction order in High Court

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge a central government order directing it to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens Delhi by June 5. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on Monday, seeking an urgent hearing. The court agreed to hear the case on Tuesday.

The eviction order was issued on May 22 by the Land and Development Office, which functions under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The government invoked Clause 4 of the original perpetual lease deed, which permits the lessor to reenter and terminate the lease if the premises are required for a public purpose. According to the order, the property at 2 Safdarjung Road, located near the prime minister’s residence and other high-security installations, is needed for “strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure” and other vital public security purposes. The order states that upon reentry, the entire plot along with all buildings, structures, lawns, and fittings will vest in the President of India through the Land Development Office.

The club plans to challenge the order on two main grounds. It argues that the...