The Indian central government has taken possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground in Delhi after a sessions court denied a stay on an eviction order.
The takeover of this prime real estate in Lutyens' Delhi represents a significant shift in land control within the capital's high-security zone. The government is moving to reclaim the area for what it describes as a larger public purpose.
According to reports, the government acted quickly, taking control of the site in less than 24 hours [3] after the court's decision. The total area seized is reported as 15.20 acres [2], though other accounts list the figure as 15 acres [1]. This rapid acquisition follows a legal battle over the occupancy and ownership of the grounds.
The move comes as part of a broader effort by the Centre to manage land use in the heart of the city. While the Jaipur Polo Ground has been secured, other areas remain under temporary reprieve. The Gymkhana Club, for example, has a deadline extending into late July [4] before it faces similar scrutiny or action.
Officials from the central government said the acquisition is necessary for public utility. The court's refusal to grant a stay on the eviction order removed the final legal barrier preventing the government from physically seizing the land. The area is now under the direct control of the Centre.
“The government acted quickly, taking control of the site in less than 24 hours.”
The swift seizure of the Jaipur Polo Ground underscores the Indian central government's determination to consolidate control over strategic land parcels in Lutyens' Delhi. By acting within a day of a court ruling, the government has signaled a low tolerance for legal delays when reclaiming land for public purpose. This may set a precedent for other high-profile land disputes in the capital, including the pending deadline for the Gymkhana Club.
