Delhi Gymkhana Club row: HC refuses interim relief after Centre assures prior notice before eviction

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday declined to grant interim relief to the Delhi Gymkhana Club after the Centre assured the court that any eviction action would be undertaken only after issuance of prior notice and in accordance with law.

Appearing for the Centre and the Land & Development Office (L&DO), Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told Justice Avneesh Jhingan that there would be no forcible takeover of the club premises before June 5 and that the government had already offered the club an option to vacate voluntarily.

“We have given option to vacate on its own before June 5, it’s not that police will rush in and forcible possession will take over. It will be as per law,” Mehta submitted.


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The Centre further assured the court that if any eviction action was to be initiated against the Delhi Gymkhana Club, it would only be after issuance of notice.

After recording the statement, Justice Jhingan observed that no interim order was required in the matter.

Mehta argued that the government was empowered to determine the lease under the terms of the lease deed and that compensation issues could be addressed separately.

Referring to Clause 4 of the agreement, he submitted that the provision allows the government to take steps in public interest, including termination of the lease.

“This is termination of lease under Clause 5. Second is compensation, which can be in terms of money,” Mehta argued, adding that the government may also offer alternate accommodation.

The submissions came during the hearing of pleas linked to the Delhi Gymkhana Club dispute, including a fresh suit moved by the club’s elected body seeking that its petition be heard alongside a pending plea filed by members of the club.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the elected body, mentioned the matter before the court and sought urgent listing along with the connected case.

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi submitted that government nominees were currently running the club.

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Responding to the concern, Mehta said the committee appointed by the Centre had already raised objections in the interest of all members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club.