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The central government has started preparations to vacate Delhi Gymkhana. Under this, a complaint was lodged with the Estate Officer of the Land and Development Office. In this, a demand was made to eviction of the Gymkhana Club from the land. The government said in its complaint that 27.3 acres of Gymkhana land located on Safdarjung Road is necessary for defense infrastructure, public safety and other public interest projects.

In its complaint, the government said that it is a public complex and its ownership rights are with the Union of India. The Center argued that the property was given to the then Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Limited in 1928 under a perpetual lease deed. But under Clause 4 of the lease deed, the government is allowed to retake possession of the land if required for a public purpose.

‘Club’s illegal occupation of land’

The Center in its petition has clarified that the club’s occupation of the premises after the expiry of the lease under Clause 4 of the lease deed and the repossession of the property by the government is unauthorized and illegal. Delhi Gymkhana Club falls under the category of unauthorized occupier under Section 2(G) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act- 1971. According to law he should be evicted.

President ended the lease

In its complaint, the Center said that the President had terminated the lease by issuing a notice on May 22 through the Land and Transport Department. The club was directed to hand over possession by June 5. But he did not do so. Even after the lease has ended, it remains in possession. The government says that this property is strategically important and present in a very sensitive part of the capital. The Center sought to declare Delhi Gymkhana Club as an unauthorized occupier and evict it from the property.