The land dispute case related to the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club of Lutyens’ Delhi has now reached the High Court. The club has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the order of the Central Government, in which the club has been asked to vacate its 27.3 acre land in Lutyens Delhi by June 5.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter before Justice Avnish Jhingan and demanded an immediate hearing. The court has agreed to hear the case on Tuesday, May 26.
Notice was issued on 22 May
In fact, on May 22, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) had issued a notice to the club directing it to hand over its property located at 2, Safdarjung Road to the Central Government. In its order, the government cited Section 4 of the lease agreement, under which the land can be taken back into possession for public purposes.
According to the government, this land, located near the Prime Minister’s residence and several high security establishments, is necessary for strengthening the defense infrastructure, governance facilities and important works related to national security. The notice said that after re-possession, the entire 27.3 acres of land, buildings, structures, lawns and other facilities built on it will come under the authority of L&DO through the President of India.
Club management called a meeting
Following the Centre’s order, the General Committee of the club called a meeting. In the meeting, it was decided to seek clarification from the government on various issues related to the interests of members and employees. The club said it has also requested an immediate meeting with officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The club management clarified that its priority is to continue the activities and operations of the club without any hindrance. Also, all legal and administrative options are being considered to protect the interests of employees and members.
Club management wrote letter to L&DO
After the government action, the club management wrote a letter to L&DO saying that until all the issues are resolved, there should not be any disruption in the functioning of the organization. According to the club, it has about 14 thousand members and users, while more than 500 employees are employed here.
The club also informed that at present it is being governed by the General Committee appointed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, which was formed under the proceedings of the National Company Law Tribunal. The club has also claimed to have improved its financial and administrative position in recent years and has appealed to consider providing alternative land if needed.
Establishment of Gymkhana Club
Delhi Gymkhana Club was established on 3 July 1913 with the name of Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. At that time it was mainly built for British officers and military officers. After independence, the word Imperial was removed from its name. Most of the existing buildings of the club were constructed in the 1930s and it is still counted among the most prestigious social institutions of the capital Delhi.
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