Delhi High Court adjourns Delhi Gymkhana eviction hearing to September 3

• The Delhi High Court heard the Delhi Gymkhana Club case on July 28, 2026.
• The Centre has invoked Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed, permitting re-entry and termination of lease for public purpose.
• The Delhi Gymkhana Club argues that the order would result in abrupt disruption of its functioning and cause large-scale dislocation of members and staff.

The Court had directed all parties to complete their pleadings without delay.

The Delhi High Court heard the Delhi Gymkhana Club case on July 28, 2026, after Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi had previously informed the court that the counter affidavit had been filed late. This development comes despite the Centre's assertion that the property is required for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure as well as other public security-related uses. The Court had directed all parties to complete their pleadings without delay. The existing protection and assurance operating in the connected proceedings would continue until the next date of hearing.

The dispute arises from an order issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, invoking Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed executed in favour of the erstwhile Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd. The clause permits re-entry and termination of lease if the premises are required for public purpose. The Centre has maintained that the decision is driven by urgent public interest considerations linked to national security and integrated governance infrastructure in adjoining government land areas within Lutyens’ Delhi.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has argued that the order would result in abrupt disruption of its functioning and cause large-scale dislocation of members and staff. The club currently has around 14,000 members and engages more than 500 employees, many of whom depend on the institution for their livelihood.

The ongoing hearing in the Delhi Gymkhana Club case highlights the continuing dispute between the club and the Centre over the use of its premises. The Centre's assertion that the property is required for public purpose has been challenged by the club, which argues that the order would result in significant disruption to its operations. The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the club's members and staff.

Lawyers representing the Delhi Gymkhana Club should be aware that the High Court's adjournment may impact their clients' operations, potentially leading to dislocation of members and staff. They should advise their clients on the implications of this development and any necessary steps to mitigate potential disruptions.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu