Delhi Gymkhana Club ordered to vacate prime Lutyens’ premises by June 5

Nestled in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, the sprawling Delhi Gymkhana Club stands adjacent to the prime minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.

New Delhi: The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic symbol of elite power and exclusivity in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, has been directed to vacate its sprawling 27.3-acre premises by June 5, as the Centre has earmarked the land for defence and security-related infrastructure.

In an order issued on Saturday by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the club has been asked to hand over peaceful possession of the property at 2, Safdarjung Road. 

The L&DO stated that the site, located in a highly sensitive and strategic zone close to the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, is required for “urgent institutional requirements, governance-related infrastructure, public interest projects,” and the redevelopment of adjoining government land.

The land was originally leased to the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd (now Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd) for use as a social and sporting facility.

The order warns that failure to comply will result in legal action.

Founded in 1913 during British colonial rule as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, the institution originally served as an exclusive socialising hub for imperial officers and the ruling elite. 

After Independence in 1947, it dropped the word “Imperial” but retained much of its colonial-era aura, traditions, and exclusivity.

Designed by renowned British architect Robert Tor Russell — who also designed Connaught Place and Teen Murti House — the club is spread across nearly 27 acres on Safdarjung Road. It boasts extensive facilities, including 26 grass tennis courts, seven clay courts, squash and badminton courts, a billiards room, a covered swimming pool, three lounge bars, and 43 resident cottages.

For over a century, membership in the Delhi Gymkhana Club has been synonymous with status in India’s power corridors.

Its memberships have been dominated by top bureaucrats, military officers, judges, politicians, diplomats, and influential business families. 

With around 1,200 members, securing entry has historically been extremely difficult, with waiting periods stretching 20 to 30 years and only about 100 new memberships granted annually. 

The club follows a 40-40-20 formula — 40 per cent for civil servants, 40 per cent for defence services, and 20 per cent for others — while giving preferential treatment to adult children of existing members. 

Prospective members must also undergo an “at home” ritual where current members assess their suitability.

The club’s rigid traditions, strict dress codes, and emphasis on connections over merit have drawn criticism for perpetuating a colonial mindset in democratic India.