The Centre took control of Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area after an eviction order, stating the land would serve a larger public purpose. The move followed Delhi High Court proceedings involving environmental concerns and club premises.
The Centre took over the multi-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area on Saturday, formally asserting control over the premises that are managed by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) after an eviction order was issued on May 20. The eviction order directed that the land be utilised for a “larger public purpose and benefit.“
The development followed the Delhi High Court’s refusal to stop the eviction after an advance copy of an application seeking an interim stay was not filed. The High Court had earlier expressed concern about the Centre’s move against the Gymkhana Club and the Jaipur Polo Ground, citing environmental risks.
A notice issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs stated that the land belongs to the Government of India. The notice warned against any unauthorised occupation, encroachment, construction activity, or any other illegal use of the premises.
The IPA had challenged the Centre’s eviction order and approached the Delhi High Court to prevent any action. However, the Centre maintained that the land was needed for significant public and defence-related purposes.
Sessions Court’s Refusal to Stay the Eviction
On Friday, a sessions court refused to stay the eviction order after the Centre told the High Court that it would not take coercive steps for eviction until June 12.
The sessions court held that similar relief had already been denied by the Principal District & Sessions Judge and that the Delhi High Court had not granted interim protection. It also directed the Union of India to file its reply to the appeal and the stay application and scheduled further hearing for June 17, 2026.
Earlier High Court’s Observation
Earlier, the Delhi High Court sharply questioned the Central government’s decision to reclaim land occupied by some of the capital’s most prominent sporting and recreational institutions, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Indian Polo Club and the Delhi Race Club. Expressing concern over the shrinking green spaces in the national capital, the Court remarked that Delhi was already struggling with severe environmental stress and warned that further urbanisation of such open areas could have serious consequences for the city’s residents.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, while hearing a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association, voiced strong reservations about the government’s plans for the land and the future of the heritage structures located within these historic institutions. The Court’s observations come amid growing concerns about rapid urban development, rising pollution levels and the gradual disappearance of open spaces in Delhi.
During the hearing, Justice Krishna repeatedly questioned the government’s intention behind acquiring lands occupied by institutions such as the Delhi Gymkhana Club and the Indian Polo Club.
Referring to the heritage significance of these establishments, the Court asked:
“Why do you want the Polo Club? What are you going to do with all those heritage structures, even in Gymkhana? What are you going to do? Make 20-storey buildings?”
The remarks reflected the Court’s concern that historically significant properties and valuable green zones could eventually be replaced by large-scale commercial or administrative development.
The judge emphasised that Delhi’s residents were already grappling with deteriorating air quality and a shortage of open breathing spaces.
In one of the strongest observations made during the hearing, Justice Krishna lamented the steady reduction of open land within the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area and warned about the environmental consequences of unchecked construction.
She Said,
“Little breather we have in the NDMC area is also going to go. All of us are going to suffocate and die. Government never needed the land in 200 years? Only you know what you are going to make Delhi into. You are saying Delhi people, please go to chhota-mota mountain [small mountains] and Delhi will not be fit. You have no idea how we are choking. Small lung that we have, you are going to take it away.”
The Court’s observations echoed concerns frequently raised by urban planners and environmentalists regarding the loss of green cover in the capital city, which has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world.
Justice Krishna suggested that preserving such spaces was essential not only from an environmental perspective but also for maintaining the quality of life of Delhi’s residents.
The High Court, however, appeared unconvinced by the explanation and questioned whether replacing open areas with large-scale development projects could genuinely serve public interest.
Justice Krishna remarked:
“Making all high-rises is in the public interest? You look at Delhi, we have only highrises all over…God save us all if this is how you want Delhi to live. Whatever you do, you have the might, but the thing is, Delhi will choke.”
The Court’s observations highlighted the tension between developmental objectives and environmental preservation, a debate that has increasingly shaped urban governance discussions in major Indian cities. The judge suggested that merely citing public interest could not justify every developmental intervention, particularly where it involved the loss of rare green spaces and heritage properties.
While refraining from deciding the larger issue relating to the government’s plans for the land, the High Court disposed of the petition filed by the Indian Polo Association with limited relief.
Earlier, the Court directed the Patiala House Court to hear and decide the Association’s pending stay application against the eviction notice on June 10. By doing so, the High Court ensured that the issue would receive prompt judicial consideration at the appropriate forum.
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