NEW DELHI: The land & development office (L&DO) officials under the union housing and urban affairs ministry on Saturday took possession of the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course area of Delhi.The action follows an eviction order issued on May 20, through which the L&DO sought possession of the land. The department, however, cited its requirement for a “larger public purpose” without specifying the use of the newly acquired land.On June 8, the Delhi High Court directed a district court to consider a plea filed by the Indian Polo Association (IPA) seeking a stay on the eviction notice. The district court, however, declined to grant any interim relief against the eviction order, news agency PTI reported.Terming the eviction “wrongful, arbitrary and contrary to law,” the IPA said it would exhaust all available legal remedies to protect its rights and interests.The L&DO has also issued eviction orders to the Race Course Club and the Gymkhana Club, stating that their premises are required for a larger public purpose.However, the High Court on May 26 recorded the Centre’s submission that it would not take forcible possession of the Gymkhana Club by June 5. The court further stated that no interim order was required at that stage.Justice Avneesh Jhingan also declined to interfere with the Centre’s decision to terminate the perpetual lease of the club’s 27.3-acre plot in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi and scheduled the matter for hearing at the end of July, PTI reported.These proceedings have provided Gymkhana members with a reprieve until then, when the Centre is expected to file its response and the petitioner its rejoinder.(With agency inputs)
