Union Urban Affairs Ministry takes physical possession of Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course Area

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on Saturday (June 13, 2026) took physical possession of the 15.2-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area of the national capital after a Delhi court on Friday (June 12, 2026) declined to grant temporary protection to the Indian Polo Association (IPA) against a government order requiring it to vacate the premises.

The possession was taken by officials of the Land and Development Office under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. On May 20, an eviction order was issued by the L&DO which sought possession of the land parcel, citing its need for a “larger public purpose”. It, however, offered no details about the intended use of the land.

The Delhi High Court had 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 declined to grant interim relief against the order.

Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Rana of Patiala House Court while hearing an application filed by the IPA under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971, denied the relief. The association sought a stay on the implementation of the Centre’s eviction notice issued on May 20 directing it to vacate the multi acre land.

Similar requests considered

The court noted that similar requests for relief had previously been considered by both the Principal District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House Courts and the Delhi High Court in last 10 days, with neither granting protection to the association.

“Keeping in view the judicial discipline and proprietary, I am not inclined to stay the execution of impugned order even till next date,” the Court said.

At the same time, the court directed the Union Government to submit its responses to the appeal and the stay application. The matter is scheduled to be heard next on June 17.

The IPA termed the eviction “wrongful, arbitrary and contrary to law,” and said it would pursue all available legal remedies to safeguard its rights and interests.

The L&DO had also issued eviction orders to the Race Course Club and Gymkhana Club, however, in a relief to Delhi Gymkhana Club members, the Delhi High Court on May 26 had taken note of the Centre’s submission that it would not take forcible possession of the colonial-era club by June 5 and observed that no interim order was needed at that stage.