'We Will Choke': Delhi HC Criticises Union Govt's Plan to Take Over Green Spaces at Gymkhana, Polo Club

New Delhi: The Delhi high court on Monday (June 8) criticised the Union government's for its plans to take over properties in the Lutyen's Delhi area, including the Delhi Gymkhana Club, the Indian Polo Club and Delhi Race Club saying the capital was already "choking" due to pollution, questioning why even the little green space remaining is being taken over by the government. The court also questioned its plans regarding the heritage structures in these places, Bar and Bench reported.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna was hearing a plea filed by the Indian Polo Association against the government's eviction notice of May 20, 2026, asking them to vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground in the Race Course Area.

The associated told the court that it had previously filed a plea in the Patiala House Court against the government's eviction notice under the Public Premises Act, but the judge did not consider the stay application and simply issued notices in the matter.

"Why do you want the Polo Club? What are you going to do with all those heritage structures, even in Gymkhana? What are you going to do? Make 20-storey buildings?" Justice Krishna asked the government's counsel.

"Little breather we have in the NDMC [New Delhi Municipal Council] area is also going to go. 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. You are saying Delhi people, please go to chhota-mota mountain [small mountains] and Delhi will not be fit. You have no idea how we are choking. The small lung that we have, you are going to take it away," she remarked.

Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Ashish Dixit, appearing for the Union government, defended the decision saying that the land was required for public and defence purposes – which is what the government had stated in its notices to the clubs.

Dixit also argued that there is limited space in central Delhi and the government's functions need to be carried out from this area itself.

“There is no public health issue in a Polo Club where only 300 people are enjoying the facilities,” he said, as quoted by Bar and Bench.

Justice Krishna, however questioned how making high-rises was in the public interest.

"Making all high-rises is in the public interest? You look at Delhi, we have only high rises all over... God save us all if this is how you want Delhi to live. Whatever you do, you have the might, but the thing is, Delhi will choke," she asked.

The high court disposed of the plea but issued a direction to the Patiala House Court to decide its application for stay on the eviction notice on June 10.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.