New Delhi, June 14, 2026: The Central Government has officially taken possession of the historic Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi’s Race Course area after a court declined to grant interim relief to the Indian Polo Association (IPA) against an eviction order. The development marks a significant chapter in an ongoing legal and administrative dispute over one of India’s most iconic polo venues.
Officials from the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs entered the premises and assumed physical control of the approximately 15.2-acre property following court proceedings that cleared the way for the takeover
Court Declines Interim Protection
The action followed an order by a Delhi court that refused to stay the execution of the Centre’s eviction order issued against the Indian Polo Association. The court observed that similar requests for relief had already been declined by higher judicial forums, including the Delhi High Court, and therefore declined to grant interim protection pending further hearings.
The matter remains under judicial consideration, with the next hearing scheduled before the vacation court. However, the absence of a stay order enabled authorities to proceed with taking possession of the land.
Why Is the Jaipur Polo Ground Significant?
The Jaipur Polo Ground holds a special place in India’s sporting history and is regarded as one of the country’s premier polo venues. According to historical records, the land was originally gifted by the erstwhile Maharaja of Jaipur to the Delhi Polo Club around 1930 and later leased for polo activities. Over the decades, it became a key venue for national and international polo tournaments.
The Indian Polo Association has described the ground as its principal operational polo facility and has argued that the eviction threatens an important part of India’s equestrian and sporting heritage.
Government Cites Public Purpose
The eviction order issued in May stated that the land was required for a “larger public purpose.” Government submissions before the courts have indicated that the area is being considered for public and strategic infrastructure requirements, although detailed plans have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The Centre has also been pursuing possession of other prominent land parcels in the Lutyens’ Delhi area as part of a broader exercise involving government-owned properties.
Indian Polo Association Opposes Move
The Indian Polo Association has strongly opposed the takeover, calling the eviction “arbitrary” and “contrary to law.” Association representatives have stated that they will continue to pursue legal remedies to challenge the government’s action and protect the venue’s sporting legacy.
The association maintains that it has long managed the facility and disputes the government’s characterization of its occupation of the land.
Environmental Concerns Raised
During earlier hearings, the Delhi High Court reportedly expressed concern over the possible loss of open green spaces in central Delhi if sporting facilities such as the Jaipur Polo Ground are repurposed. The court noted the importance of preserving such spaces in a city already facing environmental and congestion challenges.
These observations have added another dimension to the debate, balancing urban development and public infrastructure needs against environmental and sporting considerations.
What Happens Next?
While the Central Government now has physical possession of the property, the legal battle is not yet over. The Indian Polo Association’s challenge to the eviction remains pending, and further court proceedings are expected in the coming days.
For now, the takeover marks the end of an era for a venue that has been associated with Indian polo for decades and has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments in the national capital. Whether the ground remains linked to sports or is transformed for a new purpose will likely depend on both future court decisions and government plans for the site.