Delhi Gymkhana Club Row Deepens As Government-Appointed Board Faces Corruption Allegations

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs took control of the Delhi Gymkhana Club four years ago, citing corruption and financial irregularities. Yet, it has failed to investigate even a single case.

Allegations now suggest that the government-appointed administrators themselves are engaged in irregularities.

Questions are mounting over why former bureaucrats and favoured politicians still cling to the club’s management. Concerns have also been raised over the role of NCLT and NCLAT in the matter.

The ministry seized the club’s management in February 2021 to act against corruption. However, the administrators appointed later faced similar accusations.

In April 2022, a new board headed by retired IB officer Malay Sinha took charge. His tenure saw allegations of mismanagement and misuse of funds, tarnishing the government’s own image.

Crores Spent, No Results

Reports allege that Sinha spent around ₹6 crore on legal matters since his appointment, with irregularities in lawyer payments.Despite such spending, the management has not proved any corruption case that justified the takeover.

NCLAT ordered elections by June 30 to hand over the club to a new committee, a move prompted by the current board’s incompetence.

Critics allege that former bureaucrats on the board manipulated AGMs and wish to retain control for personal gain and perks at public expense.

Court Orders Ignored

In January 2025, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the club’s management. Yet, NCLT ignored it during hearings on March 27 and April 24. NCLAT, led by Justice Ashok Bhushan, also failed to record the notice in February and March.

Ministry officials are questioning whether this approach undermines the apex court.

Sinha has resisted vacating his post. After being ordered to hold elections by March 31, he sought a service extension from NCLAT alongside the club secretary. They allegedly concealed the contempt notice from the Supreme Court and filed a fresh appeal before another bench, which rejected it.

Two contempt cases linked to the NCLAT’s 21 October 2024 decision remain pending. One, CC-22/2025, awaits judgment on criminal and civil contempt. The other, CC-21/2025, filed by accused Gaurav Liberhan, is listed for August 22.

The controversy raises serious questions about the integrity of the corporate justice system in the Delhi Gymkhana Club case.

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