After Delhi Gymkhana notice, Mumbai’s 'elite' clubs now under Maharashtra govt scanner

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is set to inspect all gymkhanas operating on government land in Mumbai to check whether they are complying with lease conditions and other regulations, an official said on Monday.

According to the official, nearly 10 gymkhanas in the city are built on government-owned land, generating around Rs 2 crore annually for the state government through rent payments.





The planned inspection comes after the Central Government directed Delhi Gymkhana to vacate its premises by June 5, citing the need to “strengthen and secure defence infrastructure” and for other public security purposes.

Among Mumbai’s most prominent clubs is the Bombay Gymkhana in South Mumbai, founded in 1875 and regarded as one of the city’s elite institutions. The lease for the land occupied by the club expired in 2006, while the lease for its grounds ended in 2007.

When asked whether all gymkhanas follow lease rules, the official said, “We issue notices to the defaulters and also hold hearings in some cases.”

Well-known gymkhanas in Mumbai include PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Catholic Gymkhana, Parsee Gymkhana, Wodehouse Gymkhana, PVM Gymkhana and Islam Gymkhana.

“The state government’s 2003 rent fee policy for gymkhanas was challenged in court. It was revised a decade later and the last revision was in 2025,” the official said.

Bombay Gymkhana is also involved in a dispute with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over a proposed land acquisition. The club has opposed the civic body’s move to acquire around 3,000 square metres of land for a road widening project.

The BMC plans to widen Hazarimal Somani Marg, which runs alongside the club and connects Fashion Street to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The project would also require taking over part of the bungalow used by the gymkhana’s CEO.

Meanwhile, Islam Gymkhana President Yusuf Abrahani expressed hope that Delhi Gymkhana would receive relief from the court.

“If they are taking the land for public purpose, Delhi is big. You can adjust your public purpose elsewhere,” he said.