The Central government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), one of India’s oldest and most exclusive clubs, to vacate its Safdarjung Road premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued a “re-entry” order terminating the club’s lease and directing immediate handover of the 27.3-acre property. The government said the land, located near the Prime Minister’s residence, falls within a highly sensitive strategic zone and is required for strengthening defence infrastructure, governance facilities, and other public security purposes. Officials indicated the area could be integrated with adjoining government land parcels for redevelopment linked to secure establishments for top functionaries. The Delhi Gymkhana Club, originally established as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club in 1913, has operated from the location for over a century and is widely seen as a symbol of Delhi’s elite social and political culture. The current premises and buildings were constructed during the 1930s.Following the order, the club’s General Committee held an emergency meeting and decided to seek clarification from the Centre while exploring legal remedies. The management has also assured members that efforts are being made to ensure club operations continue without disruption. The move comes amid broader efforts by the government to reclaim key land parcels around Lok Kalyan Marg and other high-security areas in the national capital, including recent action involving the Indian Polo Association and Jaipur Polo Ground.