New Delhi, May 24 -- Members of the iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club, one of the capital's oldest and most influential institutions, are preparing for a legal challenge against the Centre's move to take over the 113-year-old club. Citing national security and public-interest projects, the government has ordered a handover by 5 June.

Members told Mint they are exploring legal options and are likely to seek interim relief, including a stay on the eviction order, status quo on possession and protection against immediate dispossession.

"This has come as a shock to all of us, both in terms of implementation and practicality. The government already has a hold over the club, and the present directors are government-nominated," said Brigadier Harinde...