Government softens stance on repossession of Delhi Gymkhana Club premises

NEW DELHI: In what is being seen as a shift in stance from that conveyed by its strongly worded letter to Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC) to “hand over peaceful possession” of its premises on June 5, Centre on Tuesday seemed more restrained in Delhi High Court, saying that it had given the date as an “option to the lessee to vacate on its own”.

In the May-22 letter issued to the club by Land Development Office (L&DO), which was also marked to the DCP and SHO concerned of Delhi Police, L&DO had sought requisite action — “for making necessary police arrangements and providing adequate force to maintain law and order during the taking over of possession on June 5, 2026”. The letter was also marked to officials in L&DO and urban affairs ministry.

In almost every case of eviction or repossession of premises, L&DO and other landowning agencies seek police presence to avoid any law and order situation.

Some of the club members said that their apprehension of govt’s taking over the land on June 5 was genuine, going by the content of the L&DO communication. “The letter said the premises shall be taken over by the L&DO on June 5, 2026, and the technical section of L&DO shall take possession on behalf of govt and secure the premises accordingly. The govt clarifying its stand in the court has brought some relief for 14,000-odd members and nearly 600 employees,” said a former general secretary of the club.

In DGC’s case, govt has sought repossession of the premises for “strengthening and securing defence infrastructure and other vital security purposes”.