<p>New Delhi: The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic symbol of elite power and exclusivity in the heart of Lutyens’ <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/Delhi">Delhi</a>, 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.</p><p>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. </p><p>The L&DO stated that the site, located in a highly sensitive and strategic zone close to the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/prime%20minister">Prime Minister’s</a> residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, is required for “urgent institutional requirements, governance-related infrastructure, public interest projects,” and the redevelopment of adjoining government land.</p>.Delhi HC stays eviction of Race Club, Polo ground; directs centre to follow 'due process'.<p>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.</p><p>The order warns that failure to comply will result in legal action.</p><p>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. </p><p>After Independence in 1947, it dropped the word “Imperial” but retained much of its colonial-era aura, traditions, and exclusivity.</p><p>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.</p><p>For over a century, membership in the Delhi Gymkhana Club has been synonymous with status in India’s power corridors.</p><p>Its memberships have been dominated by top bureaucrats, military officers, judges, politicians, diplomats, and influential business families. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>Prospective members must also undergo an “at home” ritual where current members assess their suitability.</p><p>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. </p>
<p>New Delhi: The Delhi Gymkhana Club, a historic symbol of elite power and exclusivity in the heart of Lutyens’ <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/Delhi">Delhi</a>, 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.</p><p>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. </p><p>The L&DO stated that the site, located in a highly sensitive and strategic zone close to the <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/prime%20minister">Prime Minister’s</a> residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, is required for “urgent institutional requirements, governance-related infrastructure, public interest projects,” and the redevelopment of adjoining government land.</p>.Delhi HC stays eviction of Race Club, Polo ground; directs centre to follow 'due process'.<p>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.</p><p>The order warns that failure to comply will result in legal action.</p><p>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. </p><p>After Independence in 1947, it dropped the word “Imperial” but retained much of its colonial-era aura, traditions, and exclusivity.</p><p>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.</p><p>For over a century, membership in the Delhi Gymkhana Club has been synonymous with status in India’s power corridors.</p><p>Its memberships have been dominated by top bureaucrats, military officers, judges, politicians, diplomats, and influential business families. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>Prospective members must also undergo an “at home” ritual where current members assess their suitability.</p><p>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. </p>