The dispute over the Delhi Gymkhana Club’s 27.3-acre property has taken a fresh turn, with retired Armed Forces personnel and club workers raising concerns over the proposed eviction. While 50 veterans have asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene, the workers’ association is seeking clarity on the future of around 700 employees.
STORY | 50 military veterans write to PM, seek his intervention to save Delhi Gymkhana Club
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 11, 2026
A group of 50 retired military officers, who are members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club that is facing eviction from its premises, have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his… pic.twitter.com/jTIU6gGMDS
Veterans appeal to PM Modi
In a letter dated 8th July, the veterans urged PM Modi to ask the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to reconsider the decision and look for an option that protects both public interest and the welfare of those who served the country.
The veterans said they respected the government’s right to reclaim public land when it is needed for genuine public purposes or national security. However, they said the closure of the club could have “profound human consequences” for thousands of veterans and retired public servants.
They described the Delhi Gymkhana Club as an institution with a long history of service and said it has brought together soldiers, civil servants, diplomats, judges, academics, sportspersons and other distinguished citizens over the years. They also said the club forms part of India’s institutional heritage and provides support for physical fitness, emotional resilience and mental health.
The group has requested a 15-20 minute meeting with PM Modi to explain its concerns. The status of the meeting is not known yet. The matter is also pending before the Delhi High Court.
Workers seek clarity on 700 jobs
The Delhi Gymkhana Workers’ Association has meanwhile questioned what will happen to around 700 permanent and contractual employees if the club is evicted.
In a letter to the club’s general secretary and secretary, the association said workers had received no clear assurance about their jobs. It also questioned why the terms of two officials on a government-appointed committee were extended by one year when the club is facing eviction proceedings.
The extension was announced during a general committee meeting on 8th August. The association asked why the officials’ terms were extended if the club was “on the verge of eviction”.
The workers had earlier appealed to PM Modi to protect their livelihoods, pointing out that many employees belong to middle- and lower-middle-income families and have worked at the club for more than a decade.
Case Background
The Centre began the process of taking back the club’s land on 22nd May, saying it is required for “strengthening and securing Defence infrastructure” and other important public projects.
The Land and Development Office (L&DO), under MoHUA, invoked Clause 4 of the club’s 1928 perpetual lease deed to begin the “re-entry and resumption” process for the 27.3-acre property at 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi.
The government said the area is in a strategically sensitive zone and is needed for defence infrastructure, governance facilities and wider public security requirements. It also referred to redevelopment and resumption of nearby government land, including areas near Race Course Road.
The club was initially directed to hand over peaceful possession by 5th June, 2026, with a warning that possession would be taken according to law if it failed to vacate voluntarily.
The L&DO later issued a show-cause notice on 29th June under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. The government has also cited around Rs 47.58 crore in unpaid ground rent.
The Delhi High Court is hearing challenges to the lease termination, with the next hearing scheduled for 3rd September. The Centre has maintained that the eviction process is being carried out according to law and that the estate officer has the authority to proceed.
