The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been ordered to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens' Delhi by 5 June due to unpaid dues totaling ₹47.58 crore, according to livemint.com. The eviction notice has triggered a legal battle as the club, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutional clubs, challenges the government’s directive in the Delhi High Court.
The dispute escalated after the Centre issued the eviction order, citing the club’s failure to clear substantial outstanding payments. The club has filed a petition contesting the eviction, arguing against the government’s decision to reclaim the land. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the court scheduled to hear the petition soon. The club’s membership, which includes around 14,000 members, faces uncertainty amid the conflict.
This eviction case highlights tensions between government authorities and longstanding elite institutions over land use and financial obligations. The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been a significant social hub for over a century, and the government’s move reflects a broader push to enforce dues and reclaim public land. The case draws attention to similar disputes involving institutional properties in prime urban locations, underscoring challenges in balancing heritage preservation with regulatory compliance.
Looking ahead, the Delhi High Court’s upcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining the club’s fate. The club’s petition outcome will influence whether it can remain on the premises or must comply with the eviction order by the June deadline. Stakeholders and members will closely watch the court’s decision, which could set a precedent for handling similar cases involving institutional land and dues.