Delhi Gymkhana Club: A battle of public and private rights
The Delhi Gymkhana Club has been ordered to vacate its premises by June 5, 2026, following a directive from the Central Government. This decision has ignited a debate over public versus private rights, with the club facing scrutiny for its exclusivity and high membership fees. Critics argue that the timing of the government's action may be politically motivated, while supporters claim it is necessary for public development.
- ▪The Central Government has directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its 27.3-acre land by June 5, 2026.
- ▪The club has been criticized for its elitism and high membership fees, which can exceed ₹22 lakh for non-government employees.
- ▪Union Minister Manohar Lal stated that the land will be repurposed for development needs.
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Delhi Gymkhana Club has been asked to vacate its premises. The Central Government, on May 22, 2026, had directed the highly exclusive club to hand over possession and vacate its 27.3-acre land by June 5. This has sparked a legal, ethical, and social media battle between public and private rights.What is the Delhi Gymkhana? The Delhi Gymkhana Club is an exclusive member-only private recreational space, located in the heart of India’s capital, in an area informally called “Lutyen’s Delhi.”The club has seen the end of British colonial rule, Partition and the opening of India’s economy to the world. Throughout its history, the Gymkhana has been slammed for being elitist, exclusionary, and exploitative.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.