According to the Live Law website, the Supreme Court has ordered the enforcement of a 100-metre restricted zone around two protected monuments located within the 179-acre Delhi Golf Club campus. These monuments have been identified as Red Bungalow First and Red Bungalow Second. In addition to this, the Court has directed the sealing of certain sections of the club’s kitchen facilities and other specified structures within the premises.
The Delhi Golf Club, originally developed in the early 1930s as a Municipal Corporation golf course, was initially known as the Lodhi Golf Club. It was reorganised on 24 February 1950 and later converted into a corporate unit. Situated in the high-security and high-value Lutyens’ Delhi area, the club lies in close proximity to India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Lodhi Garden, making its location one of the most prestigious in the country.
Spanning approximately 179 acres, the club is widely known for its extensive greenery, with nearly 50 percent of its area classified as forest cover. The campus also houses around nine to ten heritage structures from the Tughlaq and Lodhi eras. It features an 18-hole Lodhi Course and a 9-hole Peacock Course, both recognised for hosting international-level competitions.
The club reportedly has around 5,400 permanent members. While membership categories vary, officials have acknowledged that government officials are granted quicker access, whereas business category applicants often face long waiting periods. For the general public, becoming a regular member is described as nearly impossible due to the highly restricted admission process.
The land lease issue surrounding the Delhi Golf Club has remained a major point of contention. Reports indicate that the government extended the club’s lease in 2012 until 2050. Questions have repeatedly been raised over the relatively low rent paid for such a high-value property, with critics arguing that the extensive government land should be made accessible for public use and sporting development.
The club has also faced multiple legal disputes involving tax assessments, employee-related issues, and membership regulations. The Supreme Court had earlier criticised officials of the New Delhi Municipal Council for delays in preserving heritage structures within the campus.
Beyond administrative and legal disputes, the club has been at the centre of social controversy as well. A few years ago, allegations of racial discrimination surfaced after a woman from Meghalaya claimed she was subjected to disrespectful treatment for wearing traditional attire inside the club premises. The incident sparked nationwide debate and significantly impacted the club’s public image.
In another ongoing issue, caddie professionals and professional golfers have accused the club of discriminatory practices, alleging that they are denied permission to practice despite the land originally being intended to promote the sport. The matter has reached the courts, where legal proceedings are currently underway.
The Supreme Court’s latest order has once again placed the Delhi Golf Club under intense public and judicial scrutiny, highlighting the continuing conflict between heritage preservation, elite exclusivity, and public accountability in the use of prime urban land.
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