Delhi High Court Requests Central Government’s Response on Gymkhana Club Eviction Challenge

In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has called for a response from the Union government regarding two petitions that challenge the eviction orders issued against the prestigious Delhi Gymkhana Club. The petitions, filed in response to directives mandating the club to vacate its location on Safdarjung Road, have drawn attention due to the club’s long-standing status as one of the capital’s premier social and sporting institutions.

The hearing is scheduled for July 28, and the club, frequented by diplomats, senior bureaucrats, and military personnel, is located in a high-profile area near the official residence of the Prime Minister and other sensitive installations. The Land and Development Office had issued a notice on May 22, instructing the club to vacate its premises citing the need to bolster defence infrastructure and public security facilities as the rationale behind the order.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club promptly challenged this order in court on May 25, seeking to remain in its historic location. Although the court did not grant interim relief to the club the very next day, it did issue summonses regarding the appeals filed by club members and employees against the government’s eviction notice. This judicial move follows the Centre’s assurance that any eviction actions would only proceed after proper notification.

The government’s eviction notice outlined that the land occupied by the club was initially leased for the purpose of functioning as a social and sporting entity. The decision to reclaim the property for defence and governance purposes has sparked discussions about the balance between national security and the rights of established social institutions.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, founded in 1913, holds a significant place in the social fabric of India’s capital. Its members include prominent figures from various sectors, thereby making the potential eviction a matter of public interest. As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by legal experts, social commentators, and club members alike, as it could set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.

Source: scroll.in