A Delhi Gymkhana Club member has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the Centre’s decision directing the Club to vacate its 27.3-acre Safdarjung Road premises, alleging that the eviction notice is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and a colourable attempt to take control of the historic institution.

Filed by permanent member Vijay Khurana, with support from over 500 members, the plea challenges the Union government’s May 22 notice requiring possession to be handed over by June 5.

The petition argues that the Centre’s reliance on ‘public purpose’ is legally untenable, contending that the notice cites vague grounds such as defence and public security infrastructure without identifying any concrete project or disclosing material justifying takeover of the entire property. It further contends that the 1928 perpetual lease deed itself requires compensation if the premises are resumed for public purpose, but the impugned notice is entirely silent on this.

The plea also invokes Article 300A, arguing that the Club’s century-old leasehold/proprietary rights cannot be extinguished by executive notice without due process, fair compensation, and authority of law. It additionally alleges violation of natural justice, noting that no prior hearing or show cause notice was issued.

Alleging malafides, the petitioner claims the move is part of a continuing effort by the government to gain control over the Club, following earlier proceedings that resulted in appointment of government-nominated directors. The petition also opposes the threatened use of coercive measures, arguing that possession cannot be taken through executive force rather than lawful adjudicatory process.