New Delhi: The Union government has ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club in Lutyens’ Delhi to vacate and hand over the premises by June 5, stating that the 27.3-acre land parcel is “critically required for the strengthening and securing of Defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”.In a letter dated May 22, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, said the site lies in a “highly sensitive and strategic area” of the national capital. “The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands,” it stated.“In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause 4 of the Lease Deed,” the letter added, “the President of India, through the Land & Development Office, hereby determines the Lease and orders re-entry of the aforesaid premises with immediate effect.”News Alert ! Centre asks Delhi Gymkhana Club to handover their premises by June 5: Official order. pic.twitter.com/cb0WK8N1Pv— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2026The Delhi Gymkhana Club, is situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, in one of the greenest parts of the Lutyens’ Delhi. Founded under British rule in July 1913, it is one of the oldest Clubs in India and was used for social, cultural events and sporting activities.It is still one of the most sought after club memberships in the capital.Past controversiesThe club has been under the scrutiny of central authorities for years with allegations ranging from financial irregularities, opaque membership practices, and governance disputes, to compliance issues and more.In 2014, the club had faced a crackdown over its failure to pay luxury tax dues reportedly worth Rs 2.92 crore for three years. In 2019, the Central Information Commission (CIC), hearing an RTI appeal, had demanded authorities to disclose details of the lease granted to the club since 1929, to examine its compliance with the terms of allotment.In 2022, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) allowed the Union government to take over its management, citing financial irregularities and violations of company law.The latest decision by the government has drawn criticism from various quarters. ‘600 employees losing jobs’Reacting to the development, Defence expert, Major General (Retd) P.K. Sehgal, said, “Without any prior warning or advance notice, this action threatens 600 employees losing jobs; Gymkhana Club a prestigious heritage site and its destruction is a sacrilege that requires public opposition.”In a post of X, retired IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi reminisced on the various sporting events held at the club over the decades.“Arun Jaitley got a new pool constructed during his life time. Some of the finest tennis matches have been played here. So much history, so many memories, and generations of sporting excellence are associated with this place. The Delhi Gymkhana Club is not just a property — it is part of our institutional and sporting heritage. Change may be necessary, but history and legacy deserve thoughtful preservation,” said.This is unfortunate. It is truly tragic. ( Hope the proposal is reconsidered) @arunjaitley got a new pool constructed during his life time.Some of the finest tennis matches have been played here. So much history, so many memories, and generations of sporting excellence are…— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) May 23, 2026Madras Gymkhana Club president Capt S. Seshadri told PTI that it was a sad thing to happen to an institution of such stature.Historian Swapna Liddle called it “a pity” that cultural institutions are shrinking. “They must evolve, not ossify,” she said.‘Everyone’s turn will come’The Gymkhana club’s takeover is in line with the Modi government’s long-standing push against colonial-built institutions.The move also comes against the backdrop of the recent removal of slums from the nearby Race Course Road. In March, the Delhi high court stayed the eviction notices issued to the Delhi Race Club at Kamal Ataturk Marg and the Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area, observing that the Union housing ministry cannot take “forcible possession” of these iconic premises.Speaking to reporters, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj said, “Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to power, they have only displaced people; they have not settled or rehabilitated anyone. Earlier, it was the turn of poor people, so the rich were not too bothered. Then it was the turn of shopkeepers, so salaried employees did not feel affected. Now it is the turn of big officials, professionals, and people who go to clubs. Everyone’s turn will come eventually.”VIDEO | Delhi: On Gymkhana club eviction notice, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) says, “Ever since the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to power, they have only displaced people; they have not settled or rehabilitated anyone. Earlier, it was the turn of poor… pic.twitter.com/qmV0bDhwS8— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2026Meanwhile, a senior official in the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry was quoted by PTI as saying that most of the land allotted on lease to various institutions in Lutyens’ Delhi is owned by the Government of India, which may invoke its “power” to take back its land, citing security and other reasons that are in the interest of the nation.