New Delhi

The Central Government has formally taken possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi's Race Course area, asserting its ownership by installing notices declaring the property as government land and warning against any unauthorised occupation or encroachment.

The notice, issued by the Land & Development Office (L&DO), states that the land belongs to the Government of India and cautions that any unauthorised occupation, encroachment, construction activity, or illegal use of the premises will invite action under applicable laws.

The move comes amid an ongoing legal battle between the Union Government and the Indian Polo Association (IPA) over possession of the multi-acre property.

The IPA had challenged an eviction order dated May 20, 2026, directing it to vacate the premises. The association had earlier moved the Delhi High Court against the eviction proceedings.

During the High Court hearings, the Centre, represented by Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit, defended the eviction, arguing that the land was required for public and defence purposes. The government submitted that limited land availability in central Delhi necessitated its use for important governmental and defence-related functions.

On June 12, Vacation Judge Dhirendra Rana of the Patiala House Courts heard the IPA's appeal under Section 9 of the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. The association sought a stay on the execution of the eviction order and was represented by Senior Advocate Akshay Makhija along with Major Nirvikar Singh.

Appearing for the Union Government, Dixit argued that no grounds existed for granting a stay, asserting that no valid lease remained in force. He further submitted that an incorrect statement had been made before the Delhi High Court regarding the pendency of a stay application, maintaining that no such application was pending.

The court observed that the eviction order had been issued on May 20 and the appeal was filed on June 3. It noted that neither the appellate court nor the Delhi High Court had granted interim relief against the execution of the eviction order.

Referring to the High Court proceedings, the court recorded that the writ petition filed by the IPA had been disposed of on June 8 without any ad-interim protection against eviction. The High Court had left the question of interim relief to the appellate court, while observing that there would be no imminent execution of the eviction order until June 12.

Declining to stay the eviction, Vacation Judge Rana noted that similar relief had already been refused by the Principal District and Sessions Judge and that the High Court had also not granted any interim protection. Citing judicial discipline and propriety, the court said it was not inclined to halt the execution of the eviction order even until the next hearing.

The court directed the Union Government to file its response to the appeal and the stay application and listed the matter for further hearing on June 17, 2026.

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The Centre's decision to install a possession notice at the Jaipur Polo Ground following the refusal of interim relief indicates that it has proceeded to assume control of the property while the legal challenge remains pending.