The Delhi Administration will not forcibly take possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club’s land

The Union Government’s assurance to the Delhi High Court

New Delhi – In the matter of the Delhi Gymkhana Club the Union Government has clarified to the Delhi High Court that it would not take forcible possession of the Club’s Land. The Club has been given time till the 5 June to voluntarily vacate the land. If the Club does not do so then the Government will follow the prescribed legal procedure to get the land vacated. Besides even after the land is taken over by the Government, the membership of members will continue. The Government reassured that The Gymkhana Club shall be given alternative land.

Why does the Government want this land ?

This club occupies 27.3 acres of land in the Lutyens’ Delhi area. The Government says that the property is located near the Prime Minister’s residence and a high-security zone. The land is required for strengthening defence infrastructure and for other public security purposes. The Government invoked Clause 4 of the original lease deed, which gives it the authority to take back the land for a ‘public purpose’.