The Union government has ordered Delhi Gymkhana Club, operating on government land, to hand over its entire premises by June 5, 2026. The order draws the curtains on the club’s more than century-old tale of colonial decadence, post-colonial privilege and an ever-present social and cultural apartheid. “The club’s government-owned land has a huge opportunity cost. Why then, can it not be used to fulfil the larger public interest than to subsidise aristocracy?” asks Parvesh Verma. (HT File) Not to forget the club’s long list of alleged financial irregularities, tax evasion & opaque management, inviting legal wrath from several courts or tribunals from time to time. Thus, the government’s order has ignited several debates around elitism, urban land-use, national security as well as de-colonisation. The order states how the club’s premises, “located in a highly sensitive and strategic area of Delhi, is critically required for the strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes”. It adds, “The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects, integrated with …