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Jaipur Polo Ground
New Delhi: The Central Government has taken possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area, formally asserting control over the property by putting up an official notice declaring it as government land and warning against any unauthorised occupation or encroachment.
The notice, issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO), states that the land belongs to the Government of India and cautions that any illegal occupation, construction activity, or misuse of the premises will attract action under applicable laws.
The development comes amid an ongoing legal and administrative dispute between the Union Government and the Indian Polo Association (IPA) over possession of the multi-acre property.
The IPA had earlier challenged an eviction order dated May 20, 2026, which directed it to vacate the premises. The association also approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief against the eviction action.
During court proceedings, the Centre defended its decision, arguing through its Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit that the land is required for public and defence-related purposes.
It also submitted that limited land availability in central Delhi necessitates its use for essential government and strategic functions.
On June 12, Vacation Judge Dhirendra Rana of the Patiala House Courts heard an appeal filed by the IPA under Section 9 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, seeking a stay on the eviction order.
The Union Government argued that no lease subsists and that no grounds for a stay were made out. It also stated that there was no pending stay application before the High Court, and that incorrect submissions had been made earlier.
The court noted that the eviction order was passed on May 20 and the appeal was filed on June 3, adding that neither the appellate court nor the Delhi High Court had granted any interim protection.
Referring to earlier proceedings, the court observed that the Delhi High Court had disposed of the IPA’s petition on June 8 without granting any interim relief, leaving the matter to the appellate court.
Vacation Judge Rana refused to stay the eviction order, citing judicial discipline and noting that similar relief had already been denied at earlier stages. The court also recorded that no interim protection was in force.
The court directed the Union Government to file its response to the appeal and stay application and listed the matter for further hearing on June 17, 2026.
Following the denial of interim relief, the Centre proceeded to place a possession notice at the Jaipur Polo Ground, signalling that it has taken control of the property while the legal challenge by the Indian Polo Association remains pending before the courts.
