New Delhi, May 23 -- The Union government on Friday ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its 27.3-acre premises at 2, Safdarjung Road to the Land & Development Office (L&DO) by June 5, invoking a public purpose clause in the original lease deed.

The order signed by deputy land and development officer Suchit Goyal, describes the premises as falling within a "highly sensitive and strategic area" of the capital and says they are critically required for strengthening defence infrastructure and public security purposes.

"The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands," said the order by the L&DO, which fa...