TNI Bureau: The Centre has directed the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens’ Delhi by June 5, citing the need to strengthen defence and public security infrastructure in the high-security zone.

The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. In a letter dated May 22, the L&DO said the land at 2, Safdarjung Road is required for urgent institutional and governance-related infrastructure projects, along with redevelopment of adjoining government land.

Invoking powers under the lease deed, the L&DO stated that the President of India has terminated the lease and ordered re-entry of the property with immediate effect. The authorities warned that legal action would be taken in case of non-compliance.

Located near the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, the Delhi Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest and most prominent clubs in the national capital. Established in 1913 during the British era as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club, it was renamed after Independence.