While Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, who appeared in High Court representing the Centre, has assured that there will be no forceful possession of the premises, the dust is not about to settle any time soon.

The Solicitor General’s statement has come as something of a relief to the members as well as the 600 odd employees of the club, colloquially known as the Delhi Gym. For now, at least, it seems that the club will not shut down immediately -- not next week.

But the battlelines are drawn and no more confined to the courtroom.

Social media is abuzz with people from far and near reminiscing their days at this iconic club highlighting how it was their second home. Others who are not members — either waiting for membership or rejected – understandably opine that the club, a shadow of the colonial rule, embodies elitism and privilege and thus needs to be dismantled.

The 113-year-old club has about 14,000 members, though just about 5,500 are permanent. Of these permanent members, more than 75% are senior bureaucrats, diplomats, and defence personnel.

The club, in many ways, is a social hub for people belonging to the power corridor. An evening drink, a rendezvous or a swim in the pool formed part of the daily routine among the country’s most influential people. Many argue that the club has witnessed regular conversations, debates, meetings, and of course social gatherings and parties but along with that the world class sporting facilities that it offers is aimed at encouraging budding sports people. 

Whether or not the club is a symbol of elitism is a debate that may continue till the cows come home.

Emotions Riding High

The Delhi Gymkhana episode, many say, is a reflection of the government’s broader policy dilemma, disturbing institutional stability. 

The government had after all taken over management control of the club a few years ago. The move, therefore, is being construed by a large section as an overarching strategy of government intervention in dealing with day-to-day activities in the social life which could eventually spill over and even influence the business and investment environment. This has further rattled citizens as well as expatriates living in the country.

“The problem here is the unilateralism of the decision, no talks, no debates, this can be unsettling for a larger audience even if the person is not a member,” a lawyer who is a member of the club said on condition of anonymity.

“Even if it is an elite space, there are ways to arrive at a solution which is palatable to all,” the lawyer added.

Following the 22 May order issued by Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, to the Delhi Gymkhana Club seeking handover of the sprawling property spread over 27.3 acre by June 5, panic stricken members took the issue to the court.

The order came as a rather rude shock especially as it failed to provide any clarity on members’ subscriptions and deposits or the future of the employees. You would see anxious employees, unsure of their future, huddling at several places. The morale is down as they stare at uncertainties.

India’s Tryst With Private, Members’ Only Club

Seeking exclusivity while nurturing a sense of community is not new or uncommon. The Bengal Club in Kolkata, the Madras Club in Chennai, and the Bangalore Club in Bengaluru have been standing since the British era.

While grand old clubs dotting the country continue to be chased by many, a host of new age, members-only clubs have now sprung up, though the fabric offers a different spectrum. Research carried out jointly by Axon Developers and SKYE revealed that the annual size of the private club market in India stands at around ₹570 crore at present. This could touch ₹941 crore by 2027.

The modern new age clubs include The Quorom, located in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. 
Soho House, Jolies Club, and Indus Club in Mumbai.

The larger question then would be — what happens to these clubs? An investor in one of these clubs pointed out that though he doesn’t expect the Delhi Gym episode to have any impact on the operations of these new age clubs, “it does send a not-so-positive message.”

But forget the clubs which are considered “elite” or “hip”. Club culture has been part of social life in India. Members’ only private clubs can be found in residential localities across the country. The clubs which add to the real estate and housing dynamics offer exclusivity where people can relax, converse, eat, and drink.

Club Culture In Other Countries

Club culture is not unique to India.

Take the example of Singapore’s Tanglin Club, the oldest club in the country. Set up in 1865, it represents the social and cultural fabric of the country while continuing to be a closed space exclusively for its members. Getting membership of the club is not only expensive but also time consuming. Besides the Tanglin Club, there are multiple other such clubs serving members who can enjoy world class amenities and comfort.

The Seoul Club and Beijing’s Pacific Century Club are also examples of exclusivity. Exclusive clubs have now become a part of life and with disposable incomes rising, offer a sense of belongingness and community.

Reportedly, Delhi Gymkhana premises would be used for security and defence infrastructure. But then a question comes up: What happens to the country’s other private members-only clubs? Clubs have been mushrooming all over the country and this is seen as one of the moves that help in improving quality of living and in many ways improves ease of living, something that the government has been focusing on.