Centre Takes Possession Of Jaipur Polo Ground In Delhi After HC Refuses To Halt Eviction Order

The Centre took possession of the multi-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area on Saturday, formally asserting its control over the premises managed by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) after an eviction order was passed on May 20, directing the land to be used for a “larger public purpose and benefit.”

This came after the Delhi High Court refused to halt the eviction order after an advance copy of an application calling for an interim stay was not submitted. The court had previously expressed concern over the Centre’s move against Gymkhana Club and the Jaipur Polo Ground over environmental risks.

#WATCH | Delhi | Central Government takes physical possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area, with officials of the Land

& Development Office (L&DO) putting up a notice at the site declaring the land to be government property and cautioning against any… pic.twitter.com/ywrdJoNWrs

— ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2026

A notice from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said the land belongs to the government of India and cautioned against any unauthorised occupation, encroachment, construction activity or other illegal use of the premises.

The IPA had challenged the Centre’s eviction order and approached the Delhi High Court against any action. However, the Centre said the land was required for important public and defence-related purposes.

A sessions court on Friday refused to stay the eviction order, days after the Centre assured the High Court that it would not take any coercive action towards eviction until June 12.

The sessions court held 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. It also 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 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground is the IPA’s “principal and only operational polo venue” in the country. On June 8, the Delhi High Court orally remarked that “Delhi will suffocate” due to shrinking green spaces in the national capital.