The Central government has assured the Delhi High Court that it will limit its activities at the Jaipur Polo Ground to merely demarcating the premises, without engaging in any turf digging. This assurance was recorded by Justice Vinod Kumar during a hearing on a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association (IPA), which seeks restoration of possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground.
Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Ashish Dixit reassured the court, explaining that photographs showed some holes on the ground’s periphery. However, he clarified that these were only related to boundary demarcation and not any form of digging or damage to the ground.
The IPA is challenging a previous order from a Delhi court dated June 18, which declined to halt the execution of the Centre’s eviction notice issued on May 20. Senior Advocate Kirtiman Singh, representing the IPA, expressed concerns over potential demolition or alteration of the historic 100-year-old turf, which meets international standards.
In response, Dixit emphasized that the activity was strictly limited to demarcation around the periphery, necessary to distinguish it from an adjacent golf course. Rajesh Gogna, standing counsel for the Centre, further noted the proximity of an Air Force station, indicating national security concerns as a reason for the demarcation.
Moreover, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma highlighted the government’s broader intent to take control of strategic locations such as the Delhi Race Course and Gymkhana, alongside the Polo Ground, for public interest and defense purposes. He argued that once the government takes possession, reverting to a previous status is not applicable.
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The High Court recognized the need for a comprehensive hearing, scheduling the next session for July 1 with the designated roster bench. Previously, on June 15, Justice Tejas Karia had denied issuing a status quo order regarding the government’s takeover, suggesting instead that the IPA address its concerns to the Patiala House Court.
In a related critique, a different bench of the Delhi High Court had warned against the adverse environmental impact of such takeovers, stressing the importance of preserving green spaces and heritage sites in New Delhi. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna remarked on the potential environmental damage, urging the government to consider the city’s deteriorating air quality and the importance of maintaining existing green areas.
This legal development is closely watched, considering its implications for urban planning, heritage conservation, and national security.
