3 weeks ago
Delhi Gymkhana Club Row: Retired Officers Seek PM Modi Intervention
There is a very old club in Delhi called the Gymkhana Club.
It has been around for more than 100 years.
Many important people, like soldiers, government workers, judges and sportspersons, are members.
The government says it wants the land back.
It says the land may be needed for defence and other public needs, and that the club owes a lot of money in rent.
The club says the decision is unfair and is fighting it in court.
Fifty retired army, navy and air force officers asked the Prime Minister to help save the club.
About 700 people who work at the club are worried about losing their jobs.
A judge will look at the case again in September.
Fifty retired Armed Forces officers petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 8 to intervene in the Delhi Gymkhana Club lease dispute.
The Land and Development Office terminated the club's perpetual lease for its 27.3-acre Safdarjung Road property on May 22, citing defence and public-use needs.
The government also claims the club owes around Rs 47.58 crore in ground rent.
A show-cause notice issued on June 29 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act began eviction proceedings.
The club has challenged the termination in the Delhi High Court, with the next hearing set for September 3, while about 700 employees await clarity on their jobs.
- Who
- Fifty retired Armed Forces officers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Land and Development Office
- What
- The government terminated the club's perpetual lease and began eviction proceedings, prompting veterans to seek PM Modi's intervention and a court challenge
- Where
- The Delhi Gymkhana Club's 27.3-acre property on Safdarjung Road in central Delhi
- When
- Lease terminated on May 22; show-cause notice issued on June 29; petition dated July 8; next court hearing scheduled for September 3
- Why
- The government cited defence infrastructure and public-use requirements as well as alleged ground rent dues of about Rs 47.58 crore
Government's Position
Club, Members and Veterans
Use of the Land
Government's Position
The strategically located 27.3-acre property is needed for defence infrastructure and other genuine public purposes.
Club, Members and Veterans
The century-old club is an important Indian institution serving a wider social and cultural role; members want constructive alternatives rather than closure.
Financial Dues
Government's Position
The club owes around Rs 47.58 crore in ground rent, supporting the government's decision to reclaim the property.
Club, Members and Veterans
The club argues the termination is arbitrary and that authorities have not followed due process, and it is challenging the action in court.
Impact on Workers
Government's Position
The government is exercising its legal authority to reclaim public land under the eviction law.
Club, Members and Veterans
Around 700 employees and their families face uncertainty, and the workers' association is seeking clarity on jobs, compensation and alternative employment.
Key facts
- Property
- 27.3 acres on Safdarjung Road, central Delhi
- Alleged ground rent dues
- Rs 47.58 crore
- Lease termination date
- May 22
- Show-cause notice
- June 29 under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act
- Employees affected
- Around 700 people
- Age of club
- More than a century old (113 years)
- Next court hearing
- September 3
- Petition signatories
- 50 retired officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force
Quotes
A group of 50 retired Armed Forces officers
Retired military officers of the Delhi Gymkhana Club
“"Over the decades since Independence, it has evolved into an Indian institution that has welcomed generations of soldiers, civil servants, diplomats, judges, academics, sportspersons, and distinguished citizens," the veterans said in their petition.”
firstpost.com
Sources
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