50 military veterans write to PM Modi seeking intervention to save Delhi Gymkhana Club

New Delhi: A group of 50 retired military officers, who are members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club that is facing eviction from its premises, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to direct authorities to "reconsider" the move, explore "constructive alternatives" and preserve the historic institution.

The veterans, including many who held key appointments during their service in the armed forces, said the over a century-old club provides an "invaluable support network" to such members, and closing it would have "profound human consequences" for the community that has already given its best years in service to the nation.

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The dispute stems from the Centre's May 22 order terminating the Gymkhana Club's perpetual lease and directing it to hand over the 27.3-acre property, saying the land parcel was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure" and for other vital public security purposes.

Subsequently, the Land and Development Office under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a show-cause notice on June 29 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, asking the club and other occupants to explain why an eviction order should not be passed against them.

The move has been challenged before the Delhi High Court, with the contention that it is arbitrary and that due process has not been followed.

The Centre's move has also drawn criticism and appeals from various quarters.

The letter by the group of 50 veterans, who have served in the Army, the Indian Air Force and the Navy, is dated July 8.

"We, the undersigned retired officers of the armed forces of India, write to you with the deepest respect and utmost faith in your leadership," it says.

The military veterans have contended that the Gymkhana Club represents a "unique part of India's institutional heritage".

"Over the decades since Independence, it has evolved into an institution that has welcomed generations of soldiers, civil servants, diplomats, judges, academics, sportspersons and distinguished citizens," the letter says.

Originally founded on July 3, 1913, as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution was established to primarily serve colonial administrators and military officers.

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The word 'Imperial' was dropped after India gained Independence in 1947, but the club continued to maintain its premium property and the imperial charm of yesteryears, with its swimming pool, tennis courts, billiards room, and the ballroom with a wooden floor attracting the who's who of society.

Such is the aura and exclusivity of the club that even getting its membership is considered a status symbol, given its very long waiting period.

Its current home - a white building surrounded by carefully manicured lawns - sits on a sprawling 27.3-acre plot on 2, Safdarjung Road, envisioned by architect Robert Tor Russell, who also designed the Connaught Place complex and the erstwhile commander-in-chief's house (now Teen Murti Bhawan) in Delhi.

However, this nearly uninterrupted legacy of more than 110 years now faces an uncertain future.

In the letter, the retired military officers said that they "fully recognise and respect" the government's authority to reclaim public land for genuine public purposes or national security.

"Our appeal is not against the authority of the government or the judicial process. Rather, it is a humble request that the concerns and welfare of thousands of veterans and retired public servants be taken into account before an irreversible decision is implemented," it says.

"We therefore earnestly request your kind intervention to direct the concerned ministry to reconsider the proposed closure, explore constructive alternatives, and preserve this institution in a manner that balances public interest with the welfare of those who have served the Republic with honour and distinction," it adds.

A retired military officer and one of the signatories of the letter told PTI, "We have also sought an appointment with the prime minister to put forth the reasons as to why this historic club and its legacy needs to be preserved."

The Army veteran served in some key appointments during his career.

"My family wanted to host my 75th birthday at a five-star hotel but I wanted to have it at the Gymkhana Club, and we celebrated it there.

"The club has carefully preserved its heritage, the old buildings, and the manicured lawns all through its more than a century-old journey, and we veterans and other members feel this institution should be preserved," he said.

The move also triggered debates on TV channels and on social media platforms, with some dubbing the club a "vestige" of the colonial era, while others argued that the recreational space - a Lutyens' Delhi showpiece - is steeped in history and heritage that must be acknowledged without any bias.