New Delhi, May 26 -- Delhi's elite Gymkhana Club and its 600-member staff is staring at a possible closure after the Central government ordered the club to vacate the premises by June 5. The order was issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

It said that the 27.3-acre land in Lutyens' Delhi was required for "urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure and public interest project," and strengthening defence-related infrastructure. It further stated that "the premises shall be taken over by the Land and Development Office on June 5."

Amid the Centre's takeover plans, there has been a sudden interest and talks on the membership of the Gymkhana - that the club caters only...