Polo Ground – Delhi High Court Records Centre’s Assurance on Jaipur Turf

Polo Ground – The Delhi High Court has recorded the Centre’s assurance that the character of Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area will remain unchanged until a trial court rules on the Indian Polo Association’s challenge to an eviction notice. The matter concerns the 15.20-acre polo facility, which has been at the centre of a legal dispute over possession and proposed land demarcation.

Centre Says Turf Will Not Be Disturbed

The case came up before Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar on Thursday. During the hearing, the Centre told the court that its officials were carrying out only a demarcation exercise and had no intention of damaging or changing the polo field.

Counsel appearing for the government submitted that the existing turf would not be altered. The Centre also maintained that the polo ground was not being dismantled or destroyed as part of the exercise.

The court took note of the assurance and said the authorities should ensure that any demarcation work does not interfere with the condition or use of the ground.

Court Stresses Protection of Playing Surface

Justice Shankar observed that demarcation should not be conducted in a physical manner that could affect polo matches or disturb the playing surface. The court said it was relying on the government’s statement that the sanctity of the ground would be preserved.

The observation came after concerns were raised about possible digging and other work at the site. The court indicated that officials must avoid any activity that could impact the international-standard turf or disrupt sporting events held at the venue.

The High Court has not issued a final ruling on the dispute. Its latest order is limited to recording the Centre’s submission while the related proceedings continue before the trial court.

Indian Polo Association Raises Concerns

The Indian Polo Association had approached the High Court seeking protection against digging or other changes at Jaipur Polo Ground until a Delhi court decides its plea against the eviction action.

The association argued that work at the site could damage the quality of the turf and affect the ground’s suitability for polo. Its counsel alleged that authorities were taking steps that could harm the international-standard playing surface.

The association has challenged an order passed by a sessions court on June 18. That court had declined to grant interim relief sought by the association in connection with the possession dispute.

Earlier Relief Plea Was Rejected

In its earlier application, the association had sought restoration of possession, a stay on the May 20 eviction order, and directions preventing demolition, excavation or alteration of the ground.

However, the sessions court rejected the request for interim protection. Following that decision, the association moved the High Court, raising concerns over the impact of demarcation-related activity on the venue.

The legal challenge is expected to examine the validity of the eviction notice and the association’s claims over the property. Until the trial court reaches a decision, the High Court has sought to ensure that the ground is not physically altered in a way that affects its sporting character.

Next Hearing Scheduled for July 14

The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on July 14. At the next hearing, the court may consider the status of the proceedings before the trial court and any developments related to the proposed demarcation work.

For now, the Centre’s statement that it will not alter the Jaipur Polo Ground has been placed on record. The outcome of the wider dispute will depend on the pending legal proceedings concerning the eviction notice and possession of the Race Course area property.