Delhi High Court to hear Gymkhana Club lease petitions on September 29

Delhi High Court will hear petitions over eviction proceedings involving Delhi Gymkhana Club’s 27.3-acre Safdarjung Road premises on September 29.

Club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd Staff Welfare Association have challenged the Land and Development Office’s May 22 order terminating the club’s perpetual lease. The order asked the club to return the land by June 5, citing the need to strengthen and secure defence infrastructure. The petitioners have also sought a stay on a June 29 eviction show-cause notice issued to the club’s management.

The Centre has asked the court to dismiss the petitions, arguing that individual members cannot enforce rights arising from a lease agreement between the government and the club. It said the Safdarjung Road land, in a sensitive and strategic area, is required for defence infrastructure, public security, institutional and governance infrastructure, and projects linked to adjoining government land.

Khurana said the reasons cited were vague and generalised, and alleged that the proceedings amounted to forced eviction without due process. The Centre had earlier said it would not take coercive action during the eviction proceedings.