The Delhi High Court on Monday questioned the Centre's decision to reclaim land occupied by some of the capital's most prominent sporting and recreational institutions, warning that the loss of large open spaces could have long-term consequences for the city's environment and livability.
The observations came during a hearing on a petition filed by the Indian Polo Association challenging an eviction notice issued for the Jaipur Polo Ground in central Delhi.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna expressed concern over the future of the capital's remaining green spaces, questioning the purpose behind taking over properties such as the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Indian Polo Association and the Delhi Race Club.
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"Why do you want the Polo Club? What are you going to do with all those heritage structures?" the court asked during the proceedings, while also cautioning against unchecked urban development in one of Delhi's most densely regulated zones.
Eviction notices trigger legal challenge
The Indian Polo Association approached the High Court after receiving a May 20 eviction notice under the Public Premises Act directing it to vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area.
The association argued that its application seeking interim relief had not been taken up by the Patiala House Court, where it had initially challenged the notice.
The High Court disposed of the plea after directing the lower court to decide the stay application by June 10Appearing for the Centre, Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit told the court that the land was required for defence and public purposes, adding that land availability in central Delhi remained limited.
The court, however, questioned whether replacing open spaces with large-scale construction would serve the larger public interest.
Wider dispute over prime land In Lutyens' Delhi
The Polo Association's case is part of a broader dispute involving several institutions occupying prime land in Lutyens' Delhi.
In March, the Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, issued eviction notices to both the Delhi Race Club and the Indian Polo Association. The Delhi High Court later restrained authorities from taking forcible possession without following due legal process.
The court noted at the time that the Polo Association had remained in possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground for more than four decades and had made lease payments extending up to 2030.
Separately, the Delhi Gymkhana Club was directed by the L&DO on May 22 to vacate its 27.3-acre premises at Safdarjung Road by June 5. The government cited provisions in the original lease agreement that allow the land to be reclaimed for public purposes, including defence-related requirements and governance infrastructure.
The Gymkhana Club subsequently moved the Delhi High Court seeking relief. While the court did not grant an immediate stay on the notice, it recorded the Centre's assurance that any action would be taken only in accordance with legal procedures.
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Green spaces versus development
The controversy has given rise to a larger discussion about the future use of some of central Delhi’s last few open grounds and cultural establishments. Overall, the land under contention covers well over 100 acres in one of the most politically sensitive and strictly regulated areas in the nation’s capital.
On the one hand, government officials claim that the land is needed for official use. On the other hand, the cultural establishments contest the move since it would pose a threat to the established recreational sites as well as the greenery of the city.
The ongoing legal struggle will likely continue over the next few weeks because of several cases currently being heard by various courts.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the Centre seeking possession of the Gymkhana Club and Polo Ground land?
The Centre says the land is required for defence, governance and other public purposes.
Q2. What concern did the Delhi High Court raise during the hearing?
The court warned that losing major green spaces in central Delhi could worsen congestion and environmental conditions in the capital.
