Centre Orders Eviction of Delhi Gymkhana Club After Lease Expiry
The Union government on Monday issued an eviction notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club, stating that the club's continued occupation of the property on Safdarjung Road after the expiry of its lease on May 22 is 'unauthorised'. The notice was sent under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupant) Act, 1971.
The notice calls for a representative of the club to appear before the Land and Development Office for a hearing on July 7. It emphasises that the premises 'constitute valuable public premises vested in the Union of India and the Government is under an obligation to regulate, protect and utilise such public property in accordance with public interest and public purpose'.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club, established in 1913, is a prestigious social club in the capital. Its lease for the prime location near Lodhi Road had been a subject of discussion over the years. The government's move comes after the lease period ended, and the club had not vacated the premises.
The notice is a formal step in the legal process to reclaim public land. The club may present its case at the hearing scheduled for July 7. Further developments will depend on the outcome of this proceeding.
