As part of the eviction process, the Estate Officer has issued a show cause notice to the Club under the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. The notice directs the Club to explain why an eviction order should not be passed against it and requires a written response by July 7, 2026.
The notice has been issued through the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under Section 4(1) read with Section 4(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971. According to the government, the Delhi Gymkhana Club has become an unauthorized occupant following the termination of its perpetual lease.
Government Cites Termination of Lease
According to the show cause notice, the Club's continued occupation of the property after the government's resumption of the land for public purposes constitutes "unauthorized occupation" under Section 2(g) of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971.
The Centre has maintained that the President of India exercised powers under Clause 4 of the perpetual lease deed, which authorizes the lessor to resume possession of the property whenever it is required for a public purpose. It has argued that once the lease was terminated and the land was formally resumed, the Club ceased to have any legal right to remain in possession of the premises.
Club Asked to Appear Before Estate Officer
The Estate Officer has also directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to appear on July 7, 2026, at 2:30 pm through its office-bearers or an authorized representative. The representative has been instructed to answer all material questions related to the proceedings and produce any documentary or oral evidence the Club wishes to rely upon in its defence.
The notice further cautions that if the Club fails to file its reply or appear before the Estate Officer, the proceedings may continue ex parte, allowing eviction orders to be passed without hearing the Club's submissions.
Centre Says Land Needed for Strategic Public Projects
The eviction proceedings follow the Union Government's application before the Estate Officer seeking removal of the Club under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971.
In its application, the government has described the 27.3-acre property as valuable public land situated in a strategically sensitive part of the national capital. It has argued that the land is required for strengthening defence infrastructure, enhancing public security, developing governance infrastructure, and implementing other projects aimed at serving the public interest.
Possession Notice Issued in May
The government has stated that it terminated the perpetual lease through a notice dated May 22, 2026, directing the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over peaceful possession of the premises by June 5, 2026.
According to the Centre, despite receiving the termination notice, the Club did not vacate the property and has continued to occupy the premises. The government contends that this continued occupation makes the Club liable for eviction under the provisions of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971.
The matter will now come up before the Estate Officer on July 7, when the Club is expected to present its response to the government's eviction proceedings.
