Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry grabbed control of 15.2-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in New Delhi's Race Course area Saturday,June 13,2026. This followed a Delhi court's refusal to shield the Indian Polo Association (IPA) from a government eviction order.
On May 20,Land and Development Office (L&DO) sent eviction notice,saying land needed for "larger public purpose." No specifics given. IPA sought stay, arguing eviction was "wrongful, arbitrary and contrary to law." But district court, led by Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana,denied interim relief.
June 8 hearing, Delhi High Court told district court to hear IPA's plea. Still, district court stuck to its guns, noting similar pleas had been shot down by Principal District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House Courts and Delhi High Court in past ten days .
“Keeping in view the judicial discipline and propriety, I am not inclined to stay execution of impugned order even till next date,” Judge Rana stated during proceedings .
Court told Union Government to answer IPA's appeal and stay application . Next hearing set for June 17. Meanwhile,IPA plans to explore all legal options to defend its claim to the land.
L&DO also issued eviction orders to Race Course Club and Gymkhana Club. But Delhi High Court stepped in May 26, saying Centre wouldn't forcefully take over Delhi Gymkhana Club by June 5, so interim order wasn't needed then.
This legal tug-of-war underscores tensions over land use in capital as government aims to repurpose green spaces. IPA's eviction battle raises questions about preserving historical and recreational sites in urban areas...
