NEW DELHI — The Delhi Gymkhana Club has formally approached the Central government requesting an appropriately situated alternative plot, while cautioning that any abrupt measures against the establishment could adversely affect numerous stakeholders, according to reports.
In its communication to authorities, the club reportedly emphasised that hasty decisions would have far-reaching consequences for its workforce and membership base. The club's management has expressed willingness to consider relocation provided suitable land is made available by the government.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club, established during the colonial era in 1913, occupies prime real estate in the heart of the national capital near the Parliament complex. The club has been a gathering point for bureaucrats, politicians, and elite members for over a century, operating on land allotted by the government. Disputes over land use and lease terms for such colonial-era institutions have periodically emerged in Delhi, as successive governments have sought to reclaim or repurpose centrally located properties.
The current development comes amid broader discussions about the utilisation of premium government land in Lutyens' Delhi and whether such allocations remain justified in contemporary India. The club's proactive approach in seeking alternative arrangements suggests an attempt to negotiate terms rather than face potential eviction proceedings.