Centre takes possession of Jaipur Polo Ground; warns against any encroachment
By Sushil Batra, New Delhi, June 13
The Central Government has taken possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi's Race Course area, formally asserting its control over the property by displaying a notice declaring the land to be government property and warning against any unauthorised occupation or encroachment.
The notice, put up by the Land & Development Office (L&DO), states that the land belongs to the Government of India and cautions that any unauthorised occupation, encroachment, construction activity or other illegal use of the premises would attract action under applicable laws.
The development comes in the midst of an ongoing dispute between the Union Government and the Indian Polo Association (IPA) over possession of the multi-acre ground.
The IPA had challenged an eviction order dated May 20, 2026, directing it to vacate the premises. Earlier, the association had also approached the Delhi High Court against the eviction action.
During proceedings before the Delhi High Court, the Centre, through its Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, defended its decision, submitting that the land was required for public and defence purposes. It argued that there was limited land available in central Delhi and that important governmental and defence-related functions needed to be carried out in the area.
On June 12, Vacation Judge Dhirendra Rana of the Patiala House Courts heard an appeal filed by the Indian Polo Association under Section 9 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, seeking a stay on the execution of the eviction order. The association was represented by Senior Advocate Akshay Makhija, along with Major Nirvikar Singh, Advocates.
The Union of India was represented by Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, who argued that no case for stay has been made out in the appeal and no lease subsists. He also argued that an incorrect submission was made before the High Court regarding the pendency of the stay application and no such application is pending.
The court noted that the eviction order had been passed on May 20 and that the present appeal was filed on June 3. It further recorded that neither the appellate court nor the Delhi High Court had granted any interim stay on the execution of the eviction order.
Referring to the proceedings before the Delhi High Court, the court observed that the High Court had disposed of the IPA's writ petition on June 8 and had not granted any ad-interim protection against eviction. The High Court had instead left it to the appellate court to decide the stay application while observing that there was no imminent execution of the eviction order until June 12.
Vacation Judge Rana declined to stay the execution of the eviction order, observing that similar relief had already been declined by the Principal District & Sessions Judge and that no interim protection had been granted by the Delhi High Court. In view of judicial discipline and propriety, the court said it was not inclined to stay the execution of the eviction order, even until the next date of hearing.
The court directed the Union of India to file its reply to the appeal and the stay application and listed the matter for further hearing on June 17, 2026.
The Centre's move to place a possession notice at the Jaipur Polo Ground comes after the refusal of interim relief, signalling that it has proceeded to take control of the property while the legal challenge remains pending.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting how the govt moved so quickly to take possession while the case is still pending. Feels a bit heavy-handed. The Polo Association has been using that ground for decades—there should be some discussion before bulldozing their rights.
Ye kya chal raha hai? The High Court itself said 'no imminent execution' but then the govt ran and put up a notice on June 12? This feels like bypassing the court's spirit. But then, if the IPA had no valid lease, what were they expecting? 🤔
I'm all for govt reclaiming public land, but hope this isn't another case of 'defence purposes' becoming a shopping mall or a luxury housing complex in a few years. Let's see what actually gets built there. Till then, I'm cautiously supportive. 🇮🇳
The legal saga here is fascinating. The IPA tried every court—High Court, appellate court—and got no stay. The judge even cited 'judicial discipline' as reason not to interfere. Seems like the law is clear: no lease, no possession. Sad for polo fans, but rules are rules.
Delhi mein jagah nahi hai kya? Race Course area is prime property—but why not use it for a public park or something useful for common people? Polo grounds for 'defence purposes' sounds like a convenient excuse. Let the courts decide fast, yaar. ⏳
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