Delhi Gymkhana Club Eviction Row: Delhi HC Defers Hearing On Plea Against Centre's Notice
The Delhi High Court deferred hearing on pleas challenging the Centre's eviction notice issued to the Delhi Gymkhana Club and sought the Union government's response
The Delhi High Court on Monday adjourned to July 28 the hearing on applications seeking interim relief against the Centre's show cause notice proposing the eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its premises.
The matter came up before Justice Avneesh Jhingan on petitions filed by a member of the Delhi Gymkhana Club and the Club's Staff Welfare Association challenging the Union government's eviction proceedings.
At the outset, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, appearing virtually for the Centre, informed the Court that the applications had been served on him only a day earlier. "I am served with the application yesterday, I am conscious that the notice they seek stay of is returnable tomorrow," the Solicitor General submitted.
The Court issued notice on the applications. Counsel appearing for the Union sought time to file a response.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma also appeared on behalf of the Centre.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented the applicants before the High Court and pressed for interim relief against the show cause notice.
After hearing the parties, Justice Jhingan granted time to the Centre to place its response on record and listed the applications for further consideration on July 28.
The petitions challenge the Centre's show cause notice proposing eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, with the applicants seeking protection from any coercive action pending adjudication of the dispute.
Notably, on May 26, the High Court had refused to grant interim relief to the Delhi Gymkhana Club in its challenge against the Centre’s move directing the Club to vacate its premises by June 5, after the Union government assured the Court that no possession would be taken except in accordance with law.
The dispute arises from an order issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, whereby the Centre has invoked Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed executed in favour of the erstwhile Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. The clause permits re-entry and termination of lease if the premises are required for public purpose.
The government has asserted that the property, situated in a strategically sensitive zone of the national capital, is required for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure as well as other public security-related uses. The order states that the entire 27.3-acre parcel, including all buildings, lawns, structures and fittings, shall vest in the President of India through the L&DO upon re-entry and resumption of possession. The Centre has further maintained that the decision is driven by urgent public interest considerations linked to national security and integrated governance infrastructure in adjoining government land areas within Lutyens’ Delhi.
Challenging the move, the Gymkhana Club has argued that the order would result in abrupt disruption of its functioning and cause large-scale dislocation of members and staff. The Club has stated that it currently has around 14,000 members and engages more than 500 employees, many of whom depend on the institution for their livelihood. The Club has also pointed out that it is presently being managed by a General Committee appointed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs pursuant to proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). According to the Club, this committee is functioning as a transitional arrangement pending the constitution of an elected governing body.
In its communication to the authorities, the Club has requested that there should be no immediate dislocation of its operations until pending issues are resolved. It has also highlighted improvements in its financial condition and administrative functioning in recent years, asserting that the institution has stabilised after earlier regulatory intervention. The Club has further submitted that if relocation is eventually considered necessary, the government should explore allotment of alternative land for continuity of its activities and preservation of its institutional structure.
The Centre’s order, issued through the L&DO, underscores that the premises are located in a “highly sensitive and strategic area” and are required for defence and public interest purposes. It maintains that the re-entry and resumption action is legally permissible under the terms of the lease agreement.
Case Title: Vijay Khurana v. Union of India and connected matters
Bench: Justice Avneesh Jhingan
Hearing Date: July 6, 2026