The Delhi HC observed that a stay could not be granted in the Jaipur Polo Ground case as the Centre already took possession. It recorded the govt’s assurance not to dig the turf and listed the matter for July 1.
Polo Association’s Plea
The Indian Polo Association has challenged the Centre’s May 20 eviction order, seeking restoration of possession of the Jaipur Polo Ground, a stay on the eviction order, and directions restraining the authorities from demolishing, digging, uprooting or otherwise altering the polo ground. Alternatively, it has sought reasonable access to carry out routine maintenance and preservation of the turf and related sporting infrastructure.
Court Intervenes on Ground Work
During the hearing, the court noted that the sessions court’s order was not yet available and listed the matter before the roster bench on July 1. The petitioner urged the court to protect the century-old polo ground from being dug up during the pendency of the appeal, contending that any physical alteration of the internationally recognised turf would render the proceedings infructuous.When the court sought clarification on the work being carried out at the site, the Central Government submitted that no digging was taking place on the playing turf and that the activity was confined to demarcating the property’s boundary. The court recorded the government’s assurance that no activity other than boundary demarcation would be undertaken on the polo ground till the next date of hearing. It also noted photographs placed on record showing holes on the periphery of the ground and orally remarked, “No, you stop it… You are digging up holes.”
National Security Concerns Raised
During the proceedings, the Centre also submitted that the matter involved public interest and national security concerns, including defence installations in the vicinity, and stated that possession of the Race Course, Gymkhana and Jaipur Polo Ground had been taken in accordance with law for public purposes. The High Court also said it would take up, along with the present matter on July 1, a pending 2016 petition concerning the alleged illegal encroachment of the Jaipur Polo Ground by the Central Government. (ANI)(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)