Delhi Gymkhana Club ground rent dues: L&DO sent three notices before eviction order

The Delhi Gymkhana Club committee has asked the Centre not to disrupt the institution’s operations as officials cite pending ground rent dues of about INR 48 crore. Sources say the Land and Development Office sent notices in September, March 2026, and April 2026, warning of steps to reclaim the premises ahead of a May 22 eviction order.

The general committee running Delhi Gymkhana Club on Monday asked the Centre to avoid interrupting the club’s daily work. The request came as officials confirmed pending ground rent dues of about Rs 48 crore. The committee also said talks were continuing with government offices to stop a takeover and keep activities running.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry sources said the Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued three notices to the club since September. Sources said the final notice went in April, shortly before an eviction order dated May 22. Members at a Monday meeting said they were not told earlier about the unpaid ground rent.

Delhi Gymkhana Club notices and Rs 48 crore ground rent dues

Sources aware of the matter said L&DO sent notices in September, March 2026 and April 2026. The April notice warned of action within a week if dues stayed unpaid. It said L&DO would move to reclaim the land and resume possession. Ministry sources said this April notice came just weeks before the May 22 eviction order.

Some club members met on Monday and called the proposed takeover illegal. Members also raised concerns about what they described as selective action. Members said other clubs should face the same yardstick. Members argued the club was not an improper user of public land. Members said the site hosted sports, recreation and cultural events for thousands of families.

Delhi Gymkhana Club talks with L&DO and eviction order

A member of the general committee said discussions were ongoing with L&DO and the ministry. "We are in regular conversation with the L&DO and officials in the Urban Development Ministry. We are trying our best to ensure that the club continues at its present location,\" he said. The member added the committee wanted safeguards for around 600 employees if relocation happened.

In a Monday letter to L&DO, the general committee asked for an alternate land parcel if a takeover proceeds. The committee said a shift would need heavy spending. It cited rebuilding facilities created over decades. A committee member said members, employees and other stakeholders needed protection before any step affecting operations was carried out.

Delhi Gymkhana Club NCLT order, finances and administration changes

The committee said it had worked for over four years to fix governance and finances. It took charge under a National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order dated April 1, 2022. The committee cited a projected 2023-24 profit of Rs 9.25 crore. It compared this with a Rs 12.39 crore loss in 2021-22.

The committee said the improved finances came without adding new memberships. It said new members earlier brought major revenue. The committee said it simplified processes and applied standard operating procedures across departments. It also said it reduced pending cases, including labour disputes. The letter said efforts were made to digitise member records after 43 per cent were missing in 2022.

According to the letter, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) appointed committee members. The letter said these members were professionals serving in an honorary role. It said there was no sitting fee, financial benefit or expense reimbursement. Members at the club meeting said long waiting lists showed demand. Members asked for governance reforms, not closure.

Established in 1913, the Delhi Gymkhana Club was described by members as a long-standing sports and social institution in the capital. Members said its value lay in heritage, not only land prices. The committee said it was seeking a solution with authorities to keep the club functioning. It also said it wanted protections in place if relocation became unavoidable.

With inputs from PTI