New Delhi, 01 July (H.S.): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday deferred the hearing on a petition challenging the Central government's notice directing the Indian Polo Association to vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground premises. Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar observed that there was no urgency in hearing the matter and listed the case for further hearing on July 9.

During the proceedings, Kirti Man Singh, appearing for the Indian Polo Association, urged the court to ensure that the turf was not damaged. He submitted that even if the petition were eventually dismissed, the century-old turf should at least be preserved for one playing season.

In response, counsel for the Central government, Ashish Dixit, informed the court that the government had already assured the Vacation Bench that no excavation of the turf would be undertaken and that only demarcation of the Jaipur Polo Ground would be carried out. Following this submission, the court observed that the Polo Ground remained in the possession of the petitioner and, therefore, there was no urgency requiring immediate intervention.

Earlier, on June 29, the Central government had informed the Vacation Bench that it would only demarcate the boundaries of the Jaipur Polo Ground premises and would not undertake any excavation of the turf. Thereafter, the Vacation Bench of Justice Vinod Kumar directed that the matter be listed before the regular roster bench on July 1.

The petition challenges the order directing the Indian Polo Association to vacate the Jaipur Polo Ground. Earlier, the Association had challenged the Central government's order before the Patiala House Court, which dismissed the petition. It subsequently approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief.

During the hearing, Kirti Man Singh requested an interim stay on the government's order. He urged the court to restrain the authorities from carrying out any demolition, excavation, or alteration at the Jaipur Polo Ground. He argued that there was no justification for digging up the turf, describing it as a 100-year-old international-standard playing surface. He alleged that the authorities were proceeding with such haste that the Association's appeal would become meaningless.

Appearing for the Centre, Ashish Dixit reiterated that the government had no intention of undertaking any work on the Polo Ground except for demarcating its boundary with the adjoining golf course. We will do nothing beyond the demarcation, he told the court.

During the proceedings, Rajesh Gogna, also appearing for the Central government, submitted that the issue was linked to national security because an Air Force Station is located adjacent to the Jaipur Polo Ground.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that the government intends to take over the Race Club, Gymkhana Club, and Jaipur Polo Ground in the larger public interest and keeping national security considerations in mind.

Observing that the matter required detailed consideration, the court had earlier directed that the case be listed before the regular roster bench for hearing on July 1.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar