The Delhi High Court has decided against issuing a status quo order concerning the Central Government’s recent acquisition of the Jaipur Polo Ground from the Indian Polo Association (IPA). Justice Tejas Karia, presiding over the matter, suggested that the IPA could present their request to the Patiala House Court, which is currently handling their opposition to the government’s eviction notice.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Akshay Makhija, representing the IPA, urged the court to maintain the status quo until June 17. This request was made in anticipation of a hearing at the district court regarding their plea to halt the government’s eviction order. Makhija expressed concerns over potential irreversible damage to the grounds, stating, “It is a polo ground. If they start digging it, years of work will go away. Let them not start digging it.”
However, Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit opposed the request. Justice Karia advised that the IPA should advocate their case before the district court judge, who will consider the stay application based on its merits, without being swayed by previous judgments from the Principal District and Sessions Judge or the Delhi High Court.
The IPA’s approach to the High Court follows the Patiala House Court’s refusal on June 12 to prevent the government’s takeover of the polo ground. Subsequently, the government assumed control of the property. Vacation judge Dhirendra Rana, in his ruling, declined to stay the eviction notice, noting that similar requests had been made to higher courts without success. “Therefore, keeping in view the judicial discipline and proprietary, I am not inclined to stay the execution of impugned order even till next date,” Judge Rana remarked.
This situation is part of a broader initiative by the Union government to reclaim significant land areas in Lutyens’ Delhi, such as the Jaipur Polo Ground, the Delhi Race Club, and the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club. The government justifies these actions by citing needs for “larger public purposes,” including national security, defense infrastructure, and governance projects.
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Despite these arguments, the plan has faced legal challenges. Recently, the Delhi High Court criticized the government’s approach, highlighting potential environmental harm. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized the importance of preserving green spaces within the New Delhi Municipal Council area, stating, “Little breather we have in the NDMC area is also going to go. All of us are going to suffocate and die.” She further questioned the necessity of the land acquisition after 200 years, warning of the detrimental impact on the city’s environment.
