The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to respond to petitions challenging the eviction of the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre property. This follows previous legal battles over management control and lease terms, with the next court hearing set for July 28.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Central government to provide a formal response regarding applications filed by a club member and the staff welfare association, both of which are contesting the government’s efforts to evict the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its prominent 27.3-acre site in Lutyens Delhi. Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued a notice to the government on Monday, setting the stage for further arguments in the ongoing property dispute.
During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, indicated that he had received the applications only recently. He suggested that the petitioners could approach the Estate Officer of the Land & Development Office (L&DO) to request an adjournment of eviction proceedings until the High Court holds its next hearing on July 28. This move provides a temporary window for the club and its stakeholders while the legal challenge continues.
The current dispute centers on a lease agreement dating back to 1928, which granted the club perpetual possession of the land but included a clause allowing the government to re-enter the property for public purposes. In May, the High Court had declined to grant an immediate stay on the government’s eviction directive after receiving assurances from the government that any such action would be preceded by proper notice.
This legal conflict is part of a longer series of regulatory and judicial actions involving the institution. In 2022, government proceedings against the club were initiated before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) based on allegations of lease violations and governance issues. The NCLT had previously granted the Central government permission to appoint 15 members to oversee the club’s management, a decision that was subsequently affirmed by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). For observers and members, the upcoming July 28 hearing remains the critical milestone to determine the next steps in this long-standing battle over the control and occupancy of the prime real estate.