The Union Urban Affairs Ministry takes physical possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in the area of the race track
A view of the locked gates after the central government takes physical possession of the Jaipur Pole in the Delhi Race Circuit area, in New Delhi on June 13, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on Saturday (Jun 13, 2026) took physical possession of the 15.2-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in the National Capital Circuit after a Delhi court on Friday (Jun 12, 2026) refused to grant interim protection to the Indian Polo Association (IPA) against a government order requiring it to encroach on it.
Officials of the Land and Development Authority under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs took over the property. On 20 May, the L&DO issued an eviction order seeking possession of the land, citing its need for a “larger public purpose”. However, he did not give any details about the intended use of the land.
The Delhi High Court on June 8 asked a district court to decide on a plea by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) seeking a stay on the eviction notice.
However, the district court refused to issue a preliminary injunction against the order.
The next sitting, Justice Dhirendra Rana of the Patiala House Court, while hearing an application filed by the IPA under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, denied the relief. The association sought a stay on the implementation of the centre’s eviction notice issued on May 20, ordering it to vacate the multi-acre site.
Similar requests were considered
The court noted that similar requests for relief were considered by the Chief District Judge and Sessions Courts in the Patiala House Courts and the Delhi High Court in the last 10 days, none of which granted protection to the association.
“Considering judicial discipline and propriety, I am not inclined to stay the execution of the impugned order even till the next date,” the court said.
At the same time, the court directed the Union government to file its replies to the appeal and stay application. The next hearing of the matter is scheduled for June 17.
The IPA called the eviction “wrongful, arbitrary and against the law” and said it would use all available legal means to protect its rights and interests.
The L&DO also issued eviction orders to the Race Course Club and the Gymkhana Club, however, as a relief to the members of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Delhi High Court on 26 May took note of the Centre’s statement that it would not take forcible possession of the colonial-era club by 5 June and noted that no interim order was needed at this stage.
Published – 13 Jun 2026 22:02 IST