Delhi Gymkhana Club moves High Court against Centre’s eviction order, hearing tomorrow
The land, located close to the PM’s residence and several other high-security areas in Lutyens Delhi, is required for strengthening defence infrastructure
Days after it was directed by the Centre to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens Delhi by June 5, the Delhi Gymkhana Club has challenged the government order before the Delhi High Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned the matter before Justice Avneesh Jhingan, seeking an urgent hearing of the case. The High Court has posted the matter for hearing on May 26.
Centre order to vacate club premises
The Land and Development Office (L&DO) on May 22, instructed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate and hand over its 27.3-acre property at 2, Safdarjung Road in an order citing Clause 4 of the original lease agreement. Under clause 4, the Centre is authorised to reclaim the land in case it is needed for a “public purpose”, reported India Today.
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The report further stated that the land, located close to the Prime Minister’s residence and several other high-security areas in Lutyens Delhi, is required for strengthening defence infrastructure and facilities related to governance.
“The premises shall be taken over by the Land & Development Office on June 5,” stated the notice.
Club seeks clarity on relocation
Earlier, the Delhi Gymkhana Club had written to the Land and Development Office seeking clarification on multiple issues arising from the land resumption order, including whether an alternate site would be allotted for relocation.
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In its communication, the club stated that around 14,000 members and users depend on its facilities and pointed out that the institution employs nearly 500 people besides hosting sporting and cultural activities. It said any abrupt move would affect members, staff and other stakeholders associated with its functioning.
"The GC (the General Committee that runs the club) requests that you consider that there should be no dislocation of the club and its operations until there is clarity about some of the following issues," it said as quoted by NDTV.
Concerns over staff and infrastructure
The club sought to know if the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs or L&DO had any proposal regarding relocation. “Is the government considering the allocation of some other appropriately located alternate plot of land for the club to relocate? The GC would request that L&DO kindly consider this," it said.
The communication also referred to investments made towards infrastructure and raised concerns over employee welfare and rehabilitation costs.