• Source:JND

Delhi Gymkhana Row: The Centre on Tuesday sought to ease tensions surrounding the possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club assuring the Delhi High Court that it would not send cops to forcibly take possession of the elite club and action will be taken as per law if the land is not vacated by June 5.

In its May 22 eviction order, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry stated that the 27.3-acre plot is required for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure and other important works related to public safety. The assurance came after Delhi Gymkhana Club challenged the order in the Delhi High Court on Monday.

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"We will not take possession except in accordance with law," said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre.

"June 5 is when we have given them the option to vacate on its own. Suppose they don’t, it’s not that police will rush in and forcible possession will be taken. The procedure under law regarding eviction of public premises will be taken," Mehta added.

"Even if the land is taken, your membership remains. You are not the lessee,” the high court also told the petitioners.

SG Tushar Mehta also told the court that the prestigious club shall be given alternative plot for its premises.

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'Highly Sensitive And Strategic Area Of Delhi': Govt

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry cited that the premises, located at 2, Safdarjung Road, is a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi, the government has decided to terminate the lease and repossess the land with immediate effect.

About Delhi Gymkhana Club

The Delhi Gymkhana Club stands adjacent to the Prime Minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. The area is considered a high-security zone as it houses several key central government and defence establishments.

The club was founded during the British era. It began functioning at the site as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club in 1913. It was renamed the Delhi Gymkhana Club after India got Independence. Its current structures were constructed in the 1930s.


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