Delhi: The Central Government has assured the Delhi High Court that there will be no forceful possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises on June 5, according to submissions made by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta during a hearing on Tuesday.
The assurance came during proceedings before Justice Avneesh Jhingan, who was hearing petitions filed by members and staff challenging a recent government directive related to the club’s land lease. Following the Centre’s statement, the court observed that no immediate interim protection was required in the matter.
Representing the government, the Solicitor General clarified that the notice issued by the authorities was aimed at terminating the club’s perpetual lease and initiating a process for re-entry in accordance with legal provisions. He further stated that any future eviction proceedings would only be carried out after due notice and in line with established legal procedures.
The court subsequently issued notices to both the Union government and the club’s management, seeking their formal responses and written submissions in the case. It also recorded that the current governing body of the club, which includes government-nominated members, has already raised concerns with the authorities regarding the issue.
The dispute stems from a government order issued on May 22 by the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The order directed the club to hand over its 27.3-acre property in Lutyens’ Delhi, citing strategic requirements linked to strengthening defence infrastructure and national security considerations.
Authorities have argued that the location of the club is of critical importance and that the land is needed for broader public security and defence-related purposes. The matter is now set to proceed further in the Delhi High Court with responses from both sides awaited.
