Delhi Gymkhana Club Faces Eviction Notice Over 27-Acre Safdarjung Road Site

The Union Government has issued a statutory show-cause notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, located on a 27.3-acre property at 2, Safdarjung Road in New Delhi, demanding to know why an eviction order should not be passed against it. The notice, issued by the Estate Officer through the Land & Development Office (L&DO), marks the next stage of eviction proceedings after the government terminated the club's perpetual lease, declaring its continued occupation of the land unauthorized.

The notice was issued under Section 4(1) read with Section 4(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The Estate Officer has directed the club to file its response and show cause on or before July 7, 2026. Club office-bearers or an authorized representative must also appear for a hearing on July 7, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

If the club fails to appear or file its response by the scheduled date, the Estate Officer warned that the matter may be decided ex parte. This would allow the government to proceed with eviction orders without hearing the club's defense.

According to the government's plaint, the President of India exercised powers under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed to resume the land for public purposes. The government terminated the lease through a notice dated May 22, 2026, and instructed the club to hand over peaceful possession of the premises by June 5, 2026.

The government contended that the club failed to vacate the property by the June deadline, making its continued stay unauthorized under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises Act. The government stated that the prime 27.3-acre property is located in a strategically sensitive area of the national capital. It is required for public-interest projects, including strengthening defence infrastructure, public security, and governance infrastructure.