Delhi HC Questions Centre's Eviction of Polo Body, Cites Green Space Loss

The Delhi High Court has expressed profound concern over the Union government's decision to evict the Indian Polo Association (IPA) from the Jaipur Polo Ground and take over other historic properties, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club. During a hearing on Monday, June 8, 2026, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna made strong oral observations, warning that such actions would lead to Delhi 'choking' and stating, 'God save us all' if green spaces continue to diminish. The court's remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association, challenging an eviction notice issued by the Centre on May 20, 2026, which directed the association to vacate the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground located in the Race Course area by June 4. Justice Krishna critically questioned the rationale behind the proposed takeovers, especially concerning the impact on Delhi's already deteriorating environmental health. She highlighted that the national capital is already grappling with severe pollution and a steady decline in open spaces. The judge expressed dismay at the prospect of replacing vital 'breathers' and heritage structures with high-rise constructions, asking, 'What are you going to make Delhi into?' Representing the Centre, counsel Ashish Dixit defended the government's move, asserting that the land was required for public and defence-related purposes, and to address the limited space available in central Delhi for key government functions. However, the court remained unconvinced, questioning how high-rise construction would serve the public interest, especially when green cover is shrinking. The Indian Polo Association's counsel informed the High Court that they had already challenged the eviction notice before a court at Patiala House under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act. They further stated that while a notice had been issued in the matter, their urgent application seeking interim protection against eviction had not been decided and the matter was merely adjourned. In response to this, the Delhi High Court, while disposing of the IPA's writ petition, directed the Patiala House court (District and Sessions Judge) to consider and decide the association's plea for a stay on the eviction notice by June 10, 2026. This case is part of a broader trend of the Centre seeking to reclaim prime land occupied by several long-standing institutions in Lutyens' Delhi. The Delhi Gymkhana Club is also facing similar eviction proceedings, with its members and staff challenging show-cause notices issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. The Centre had earlier assured the High Court that no forcible possession would be taken without following due legal procedure, a stance it reiterated in subsequent hearings. Further legal developments indicate ongoing litigation. On March 25, 2026, the Delhi High Court had granted interim protection to the Delhi Race Club and the Indian Polo Association, staying their eviction from historic premises and emphasizing the necessity of due process. Later, on July 1, 2026, the Delhi High Court listed the Indian Polo Association's plea against a sessions court's refusal to stay the eviction for hearing on July 9. The Centre, during this hearing, assured the court that no alterations would be made to the polo turf in the interim, allaying fears of irreversible damage. Subsequently, on July 10, 2026, the court recorded the Centre's submission that the sanctity of the Jaipur Polo Ground would not be altered until a trial court decided the IPA's plea. The matter was further listed for hearing on August 12, 2026, and a related plea concerning the Delhi Gymkhana Club was adjourned for September 3, 2026. The court's observations underscore growing concerns among heritage conservationists, environmentalists, and Delhi's sporting community regarding the preservation of the city's green cover, open spaces, and heritage structures amidst rapid urban development and governmental land acquisition initiatives.

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