Jaipur Polo Ground – Delhi High Court Declines Immediate Stay After Centre Takes Possession
Jaipur Polo Ground – Delhi High Court on Monday declined to grant immediate interim relief in the dispute over the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground located in the Race Course area after noting that the Central government had already taken possession of the land. The court was hearing an appeal filed by the Indian Polo Association against a sessions court order that had earlier refused to provide interim protection. The matter will now be taken up by the regular roster bench on July 1.
Court Says Possession Already Taken
The case came before a vacation bench led by Justice Vinod Kumar, who observed that once possession of the property had been transferred to the government, granting a stay order was no longer feasible. During the hearing, the judge remarked that if the association ultimately succeeds in its appeal, the previous position could be restored. The court also noted that it did not yet have access to the detailed order passed by the sessions court before deciding on further issues in the matter.
Association Raises Concern Over Ground Condition
Representing the Indian Polo Association, senior counsel argued that excavation work had reportedly begun on the historic polo ground while the appeal remained pending. According to the association, any continued digging could permanently alter the site and reduce the significance of the ongoing legal proceedings. The lawyers described the turf as more than a century old and maintained that it meets international playing standards. They requested the court to ensure that no excavation work takes place until the next hearing scheduled for July 1.
Centre Denies Damage to Playing Surface
Appearing on behalf of the Central government, counsel Ashish Dixit rejected allegations that the playing area was being damaged. He informed the court that authorities were only marking the land for the construction of a boundary wall and that no activity was taking place on the actual polo field. The government maintained that its actions were limited to land demarcation and did not involve disturbing the sports infrastructure.
Appeal Challenges Earlier Sessions Court Order
The Indian Polo Association has challenged the June 18 order of the sessions court, which rejected its request for restoration of possession of the ground. The association had also sought a stay on the implementation of the May 20 eviction order along with protection against demolition, excavation or any physical alteration of the property. As an alternative, it requested permission to continue maintaining the turf and other sporting facilities while the legal proceedings continue.
The association argued that any irreversible changes to the site before the final decision could effectively defeat the purpose of its pending appeal. It contended that preserving the condition of the ground was essential to ensure meaningful judicial review.
Delhi Court Extends Custody in NEET Paper Leak Case
In another development, a Delhi court extended the judicial custody of ten individuals arrested in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak investigation. Special Judge Vijeta Singh Rawat ordered that they remain in custody until July 11 after the Central Bureau of Investigation informed the court that the inquiry had reached a critical stage. According to the investigating agency, releasing the accused at this point could interfere with the ongoing probe. Three other accused remain in judicial custody under previously issued court orders.