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Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal has reiterated that the Centre can resume government-owned land leased to institutions whenever required for public purposes. The statement follows a notice issued by the Land and Development Office directing Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its 27.3-acre Safdarjung Road property in New Delhi. The government has cited defence infrastructure and public security requirements for the move. The dispute has highlighted the Centre’s legal authority over leased public land administered by the L&DO.
The Centre can reclaim government-owned land leased to institutions whenever it is required for public purposes, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said in the past week while responding to questions regarding the government’s decision to seek possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club premises in New Delhi. The minister’s remarks came after the Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued a notice directing the club to vacate its 27.3-acre property at Safdarjung Road.
Addressing reporters during a media interaction linked to preparations for the upcoming BRICS Urbanisation Forum, Manohar Lal stated that the government has the authority to resume leased land wherever necessary. He indicated that such decisions are taken when land is required for public use and are not restricted to a single property or institution.
The minister explained that large tracts of land in Delhi remain under the ownership of the Union government and are administered by the L&DO. According to him, these land holdings originated before Independence, when Delhi did not have a state government. Over time, many parcels were allotted on lease to various organisations and institutions, with provisions allowing the government to take back possession under specified circumstances.
The comments follow a notice issued by the L&DO on 22 May to Delhi Gymkhana Club, directing it to hand over possession of its premises by 5 June. The government invoked its right of re-entry and resumption under the terms of the lease and stated that the land was required for strengthening and securing defence infrastructure and other public security-related facilities.
Situated at 2, Safdarjung Road, the Delhi Gymkhana Club occupies one of the most prominent land parcels in the capital. The site is located close to key government establishments, including the Prime Minister’s residence, and falls within a high-security administrative zone. Government authorities have maintained that the property is required to meet strategic and institutional requirements.
The issue has also moved into the judicial domain. Following the notice, the club approached the Delhi High Court challenging the government’s decision. During recent proceedings, the Centre informed the court that it would not take forcible possession of the premises before the stipulated date and would act in accordance with the law. The court declined to grant interim relief against the notice while recording the government’s submissions.
The dispute has brought renewed focus to the legal powers available to the Centre in relation to leased government land in Delhi. The case is expected to be closely watched by institutions occupying public land under long-term lease arrangements, particularly those administered by the L&DO.
Source: PTI
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