HC refuses interim relief against Centre’s eviction order to Delhi Gymkhana, issues summons

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to grant interim relief to the Delhi Gymkhana Club against an order issued by the Union government directing it to hand over its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, Live Law reported.

However, Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued summons on the suits filed by the members and employees of the club against the order, Bar and Bench reported.

This came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the judge that the club had been asked to peacefully hand over the premises and that the eviction would take place only after due notice.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club is one of the national capital’s oldest and most exclusive social and sporting clubs, frequented by diplomats, bureaucrats and military officers, among others. It is located next to the prime minister’s official residence and other high-security installations.

On Friday, the Land and Development Office directed the club to vacate and hand over its premises to the Union government, saying that it was required for “strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure”, governance facilities and other “vital public security purposes”.

The land had originally been leased for maintaining a social and sporting club, it said.

The department, which functions under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, invoked clause 4 of the lease deed, which allows the lessor to take back the premises if the...

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