Delhi court has denied interim relief to Indian Polo Association (IPA) in its fight to stay on Jaipur Polo Ground,a key site in capital's Race Course area. Ruling by Additional Sessions Judge Dhirender Rana follows Land and Development Office under Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry taking over 15.20-acre ground on June 12,2026.
IPA wanted to block eviction order using Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act,1971. But court noted similar requests had been rejected before by both Principal District and Sessions Judge and Delhi High Court. Judge Rana said,"I am not inclined to stay execution of the impugned order even till next date."
Even after setback, court told Union Government to answer IPA’s appeal and stay application,setting next hearing for June 17. Dispute centers on polo ground land, which government plans to repurpose for public use,alongside places like Delhi Gymkhana Club.
Union's standing counsel Ashish Dixit asked for more time to prepare . But IPA's senior advocate Akshay Makhija opposed delay,arguing eviction would make their appeal pointless. Court noted IPA filed appeal on June 3 and notice was issued without interim stay then.
Court also said arguments on stay can't continue without respondent's reply,as IPA didn't provide advance copy of application . IPA had also gone to Delhi High Court for ad-interim stay,which was denied.
In response,IPA called government's actions "wrongful,arbitrary and contrary to law," promising to explore all legal options. IPA counsel Major (Retd.) Nirvikar Singh said the association won't comment further while matter is sub judice.
Concerns over preserving Delhi's heritage have come up in court talks. On June 8,Delhi High Court expressed alarm over more high-rises in capital,warning such growth could worsen pollution,cut green spaces. Justice Krishna said, "Delhi will suffocate. Whatever little breather we have in the NDMC area,that is going to go." He questioned public interest in government's land plans,stressing need to protect city's open spaces...
