The Maharashtra government will soon undertake an inspection of all gymkhanas located on government land across Mumbai to ensure that all norms, including those in the lease agreement, are followed, an official said on Monday.
An official, while talking to the media on Monday, said that there are around 10 such gymkhanas on government land in Mumbai, and the state government gets around Rs two crore from them annually towards rent charges, as per PTI.
The move comes in the backdrop of Delhi Gymkhana case
The move to inspect all gymkhanas across Mumbai comes in the backdrop of the central government asking the Delhi Gymkhana to hand over its premises by June 5 to “strengthen and secure defence infrastructure” and for other public security purposes.
The most prominent among the gymkhanas in Mumbai is the Bombay Gymkhana in South Mumbai. Established in 1875, it is among the elite gymkhanas in the city. The 99-year lease on the land given to the club expired in 2006, and the lease on the club`s grounds expired in 2007.
Asked if all the gymkhanas adhere to the lease agreement norms, the official further said, “We issue notices to the defaulters and also hold hearings in some cases,” as per PTI.
Prominent gymkhanas in Mumbai include PJ Hindu Gymkhana, Catholic Gymkhana, Parsee Gymkhana, Wodehouse Gymkhana, PVM Gymkhana and Islam Gymkhana.
Highlighting the policies for the gymkhanas across Mumbai, an official stated, “The state government`s 2003 rent fee policy for gymkhanas was challenged in court. It was revised a decade later, and the last revision was in 2025,” as cited by PTI.
Bombay Gymkhana vs BMC
In the case of Bombay Gymkhana, there is also a standoff with the municipal corporation over the acquisition of land. The gymkhana has opposed the BMC`s decision to acquire 3,000 square metres of land for road widening.
As per PTI, the BMC wanted the land to widen Hazarimal Somani Marg, abutting the club and connecting Fashion Street to CSMT. It would also entail taking over a part of the gymkhana CEO`s bungalow.
Meanwhile, responding to the Centre`s notice, Yusuf Abrahani, the President of Islam Gymkhana in South Mumbai, on Monday, expressed confidence that Delhi Gymkhana will get relief from the court.
Abrahani said, “If they are taking the land for public purposes, Delhi is big. You can adjust your public purpose elsewhere,” as per PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
