The Delhi High Court on Monday sought the Central government's response to two applications challenging its move to evict the Delhi Gymkhana Club from its 27.3-acre premises in Lutyens' Delhi.

Justice Avneesh Jhingan issued notice to the Centre and listed the matter for further hearing on July 28.

The applications have been filed by club member Vijay Khurana and the Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association in pending suits that challenge the government's earlier direction requiring the club to vacate the premises.

The development comes after the Estate Officer of the Land & Development Office (L&DO) last week issued a show-cause notice to the club following the Centre's initiation of eviction proceedings.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Court that copies of the two applications had been served on him only a day earlier. He also pointed out that the proceedings before the Estate Officer are scheduled for July 7 and suggested that the applicants may seek an adjournment so that the matter can be taken up after the High Court hears the case on July 28.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit also represented the Centre. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for Vijay Khurana, while Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta represented the Club's Staff Welfare Association.

The High Court is already seized of suits challenging the government's decision to ask the club to vacate the property. When the matter was heard in May, the Court declined to grant interim protection after the Solicitor General assured the Bench that no eviction would be carried out without following due process and issuing prior notice.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club has occupied the land under a perpetual lease granted in 1928. Clause 4 of the lease deed permits the Central government, as the lessor, to re-enter the property if it is required for a public purpose.

Separately, in 2022, the Centre initiated proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), alleging violations of the lease conditions and mismanagement of the club. The NCLT subsequently allowed the government's plea and directed the appointment of 15 Centre-nominated members to oversee the day-to-day management of the club.