Delhi High Court asks Centre to respond to Gymkhana eviction

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the central government's response to legal challenges against an eviction notice served to the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club. The court listed the matter for further hearing on July 28 and indicated that related administrative proceedings should be deferred until after that date.

The case centers on a show-cause notice issued on June 29 by an Estate Officer under the Public Premises Act. The notice demands the club explain why an eviction order should not be passed, arguing its continued occupation of a 27.3-acre property on Safdarjung Road is unauthorized. According to government submissions, the club's perpetual lease on the land expired on May 22, after which the government exercised a right of re-entry. Officials have stated the prime land, located in the Lutyens' Delhi area near the Prime Minister's residence, is required for public purposes including defence infrastructure, public security, and governance projects.

This latest notice follows an earlier directive from the Land and Development Office on May 22, which ordered the club to vacate the premises by June 5. The club and its Staff Welfare Association subsequently filed a lawsuit...