The Delhi Gymkhana Club faces a severe financial crisis with pending ground rent dues of approximately ₹48 crore, according to latest reports from Business Standard. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) has issued three notices since September 2025 demanding payment of these dues, with the last notice sent in April 2026, just weeks before the eviction order issued on May 22, 2026. In April this year, the L&DO cautioned that if the dues were not cleared within a week, it would proceed with steps to reclaim the property and resume possession of the club premises. Some members have alleged that they were not informed in advance about the unpaid dues, highlighting the lack of transparency in the club's financial management.
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has moved the Delhi High Court challenging a Union government directive asking it to vacate its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens' Delhi by June 5, 2026. According to Business Standard, the matter was mentioned before Justice Avneesh Jhingan by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who pressed for an urgent hearing. The court agreed to take up the case on Tuesday, May 26. The petition has been filed by Vijay Khurana, a member of the club, challenging the Centre's eviction order.
The National Company Law Tribunal allowed the Centre to take control of the club's management in 2022 after allegations of financial irregularities, procedural violations and governance failures surfaced. The General Committee overseeing the club, constituted by the Government of India, has been working for over four years to improve the club's administration and financial condition. According to Business Standard, the committee members appointed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) are professionals working in an honorary capacity without any sitting fee, financial benefit or reimbursement of expenses. The committee claims the club has achieved a financial turnaround with the projected profit and loss statement for 2023-24 showing a profit of ₹9.25 crore against a loss of ₹12.39 crore in 2021-22, without adding new memberships.
The General Committee has requested the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the L&DO to consider allotting an alternative plot of land for relocation in case the takeover proceeds, as reported by Business Standard. A member of the general committee stated that discussions are underway with officials of the L&DO and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to prevent the takeover, with regular conversations aimed at ensuring the club continues at its present location. The committee emphasizes that relocation would require substantial expenditure for rebuilding infrastructure and facilities developed over several decades. Members are also seeking protection for around 600 employees associated with the club in the event of relocation.
Members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club said they will legally challenge the eviction order, according to Hindustan Times reports, arguing that the eviction is abrupt and could affect hundreds of employees and thousands of members. Members held a meeting on Monday and termed the proposed takeover 'illegal', while also raising concerns over what they described as selective action against the institution. The club has now urged the Centre to ensure there is 'no dislocation' to its functioning after being asked to vacate its 27.3-acre premises by June 5, 2026. Members also questioned whether adequate consultation occurred before the notice was issued, with some stating that 'similar clubs should get similar treatment' and calling for reforms in governance instead of the closure of the institution.
