New Delhi

The central government will not take forcible possession of the land occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club on June 5, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday.

Following the assurance, Justice Avneesh Jhingan observed that no interim relief was required at this stage in the petitions filed by club members and employees challenging the Centre’s May 22 order directing the club to hand over the premises.

Appearing before the court, Mehta said the Centre’s notice was aimed at terminating the perpetual lease granted to the club and seeking re-entry into the property.

However, he clarified that any eviction proceedings would be initiated strictly in accordance with the law and only after due notice is served to the occupants.

The court subsequently issued summons to the Centre and the club’s management and sought their written responses to the petitions.

Mehta further informed the court that the current governing body of the club, which includes nominees appointed by the Centre, had already written to authorities expressing its concerns and grievances over the issue.

The Union government recently directed the Delhi Gymkhana Club, located in Lutyens’ Delhi, to vacate and hand over its 27.3-acre premises.

The order was issued by the Land and Development Office under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

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According to the government, the land situated in a strategically sensitive zone of the national capital is required for strengthening defence infrastructure and other critical public security purposes.