New Delhi, May 26 -- The central government on Tuesday told the Delhi High Court that it will not take forceful possession of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, days after it was asked to hand over the premises.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Delhi HC on Tuesday that any proceedings for eviction from the premises will be initiated as per the law after giving due notice to the occupants.

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

The order, issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, has stated that the premises, located in a highly sensitive...