Two applications have been filed before the Delhi High Court against Central government’s move to evict Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens Delhi.The applications have been filed in the already pending suits by Gymkhana member Vijay Khurana and another by the Club’s staff welfare association. Justice Avneesh Jhingan is scheduled to hear the applications on July 6.The Estate Officer of the Land & Development Office (L&DO) this week issued show cause notice to Gymkhana after Central government filed a plea seeking their eviction. The two suits pending before the High Court challenge government's earlier order to vacate the premises.While hearing the pleas in May, the High Court had refused to pass any interim orders against the directive. This came after Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that any eviction action would be taken only after due notice. .The land on which the club functions was given to it on a perpetual lease in the year 1928. Clause 4 of the lease deed provides that the premises can be re-entered upon by the lessor (Central government) if required for public purpose. In 2022, the Centre initiated proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) against the club for violation of the terms of the lease deed and mismanagement. The NCLT allowed the prayer and ordered the appointment of 15 members to be nominated by the Centre for running the day-to-day business of the Club. The NCLAT later upheld this order.
