The Centre questioned the Delhi Gymkhana Club’s shift from sports to social gatherings, accusing it of becoming a “madhushaala” (bar) instead of a “vyayamshaala” (gymnasium). (Image: The main bar of Delhi Gymkhana Club)
NEW DELHI: Even before ordering the Delhi Gymkhana Club to vacate its iconic Safdarjung Road premises, the Centre had repeatedly questioned the functioning of the elite institution, accusing it of drifting away from its original purpose as a sporting and recreational club.During proceedings before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), the government went to the extent of remarking that the club had turned “from a vyayamshaala to a madhushaala” suggesting that an institution meant to promote sports and physical activity had increasingly become centred around liquor, dining and social gatherings.In a strongly worded appeal before the tribunal in 2020, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) accused the club’s general committee of treating the institution like its “riyaasat” and argued that the affairs of the club were being run in a manner “prejudicial to public interest”.The Centre had challenged a National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order that allowed two government nominees to be inducted into the club’s management instead of appointing a full-fledged administrator. Calling the relief granted by the NCLT “cosmetic and ineffective”, the MCA sought suspension of the general committee and reiterated its demand for an administrator to run the club.The criticism formed part of a wider probe launched by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs into alleged financial irregularities, governance failures, factionalism and membership-related controversies within the club.Government agencies argued that the institution, originally allotted prime public land for recreation and sports, had evolved into an exclusive social hub dominated by restaurants, bars and banquet activities.However, the club courted controversies over several issues, including the provision of “green card”, which allowed adult dependents of existing members to get preferential treatment in becoming members, making it very difficult for outsiders to get membership, with the waiting period stretching to 30-40 years even after paying hefty charges.In its observations, the NCLT had said the affairs of the club were prima facie being conducted in a manner prejudicial to public interest and directed the constitution of a five-member committee to examine issues related to land use, governance and membership practices.The remarks gained fresh attention after the Union government moved to reclaim the club’s 27.3-acre property, citing national security and public purpose requirements linked to the high-security zone surrounding the Prime Minister’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi.Meanwhile, Delhi Gymkhana Club members have approached the Delhi high court challenging the Centre’s eviction order, with the matter scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.
