On Monday, the Delhi High Court strongly questioned the Central government's proposal to take over lands occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club, Indian Polo Club and Delhi Race Club, expressing concern over the shrinking green cover in the national capital. While hearing a challenge to an eviction notice issued to the Indian Polo Association, the Court warned that the loss of open spaces in central Delhi could worsen the city's already severe pollution crisis, raising broader questions about urban development and environmental preservation.
The matter arose from an eviction notice issued on May 20, 2026, directing the Indian Polo Association to vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course Area. The Association approached the High Court after stating that its plea before the Patiala House Court challenging the notice under the Public Premises Act had not resulted in any consideration of its request for interim protection. Appearing for the Central government, Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit defended the move, arguing that the land was needed for public and defence purposes and that government functions required space within central Delhi. He further contended that there was no larger public health concern in preserving a Polo Club used by a limited number of people.
The Bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, however, repeatedly questioned the purpose behind taking over these properties and expressed concern about the future of the heritage structures situated there. Wondering whether the land would eventually be used for high-rise development, the Court remarked, "All of us are going to suffocate and die. Government never needed the land in 200 years? Only you know what you are going to make Delhi into."
The Court also observed that Delhi was already struggling with pollution and cautioned that removing one of the few remaining open green spaces would only aggravate the situation. Questioning whether constructing more high-rises could truly serve the public interest, the Court remarked that the city was already overcrowded with such developments and warned that "Delhi will choke." The High Court ultimately disposed of the plea and directed the Patiala House Court to decide the Association's application seeking a stay on the eviction notice on June 10.
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