New Delhi: The central government has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club (DGC), one of the oldest clubs in India, located next to the PM’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi, to hand over the premises by June 5 for “strengthening and security of defense infrastructure and other critical public safety purposes”.The government had given 27.3 acres of land on permanent lease to DGC in 1928. The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said it has ordered “re-entry” of the property with “immediate effect” – meaning premature termination of the lease and repossession.It added that on such “re-entry”, the entire plot of land, with all its buildings, structures, lawns and fittings, would “fully vest” in L&DO. The order directed the DGC to “hand over peaceful possession of the premises”; In case of non-compliance, possession will be “taken away in accordance with law”.The club has been operating from 2, Safdarjung Road since 1913, when it was called the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After independence its name was changed to Delhi Gymkhana Club. The current buildings were constructed in the 1930s. For over a century, entry into the DGC has been less about money and more about fitting into Delhi’s ‘elite class’, as it is a symbol of power and privilege.The move to take back the land parcel comes at a time when L&DO has issued similar instructions to those living on other government lands along Lok Kalyan Marg. While the exact purpose of the move is not yet known, people aware of the development have not ruled out the possibility of this land parcel, along with other lands vacated around the area, being used for redevelopment, including the construction of highly secure residences and establishments for top government officials.L&DO said in its notice that the club is located in a very sensitive and strategic area of ​​Delhi. “The land is necessary to meet immediate institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public-interest projects, integrated with the restoration of surrounding government lands,” it says.In a message sent to members, DGC Secretary General said the General Committee (GC) held an urgent meeting on Saturday and decided to send an “urgent response” to L&DO requesting clarity on the issues in the interest of members and employees. He said the committee members would demand an immediate meeting with ministry officials. “The immediate priority of the GC is to ensure that the operations of the Club continue without any disruption,” it said.Recently, the Center had defended in the Delhi High Court its move seeking eviction of the Indian Polo Association, which runs the Jaipur Polo Ground opposite the PM’s residence. The government, citing the sensitive situation of the area and national security concerns, had argued that it was also taking steps to acquire other such land parcels in the area for larger public purposes.A senior DGC member said, “A strong case will be made against L&DO’s order to seek relief from the court. But let’s see how much we can oppose the government’s claim of taking back the land for defense and security purposes. Moreover, the order comes near the expiry of the current lease.”