The historic Jaipur Polo Ground in New Delhi has become the focus of a legal dispute after government authorities took physical possession of the 15.2-acre property on Saturday following an eviction order.
Located in the Race Course area of Lutyens’ Delhi, the ground was originally gifted by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur to the Delhi Polo Club around 1930. Over the decades, it emerged as one of India’s most prestigious polo venues, hosting major national and international tournaments.
Lease Validity Under Scrutiny
The dispute centres on the validity of the lease under which the Indian Polo Association (IPA) has been operating the ground. According to the IPA, the Central Public Works Department leased the property in 1951, and the arrangement
was periodically extended after the original term expired. The association maintains that government communications over the years acknowledged its continued occupation and supported lease renewals.
The government, however, maintains that the lease expired in March 1993 and that the association has remained on the land without legal authority since then. Earlier this year, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) issued an eviction notice, followed by a formal eviction order on May 20.
Govt Takes Possession After Court Relief Denied
The IPA challenged the move in court and sought a stay on the eviction. However, a district court declined to grant interim relief, allowing authorities to proceed with taking possession of the property.
The Centre has stated that the land is required for a “larger public purpose and benefit”, though no specific project has been publicly announced. Some reports have linked the site to potential defence-related requirements.
The IPA has termed the eviction “arbitrary and contrary to law” and says it will pursue all legal remedies available to protect its interests while the matter remains before the courts.
This comes right after the Delhi Gymkhana Club controversy, adding to a broader pattern of disputes over elite institutional land in Lutyens’ Delhi.
The court also observed that these green fields in Lutyens’ Delhi are among the last remaining open spaces in the capital. It expressed concern that if such areas are also used for infrastructure development, little would remain of Lutyens’ Delhi—not only from an environmental perspective, but also in terms of its cultural and heritage significance.
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