New Delhi, 14 July (H.S.):

The Delhi High Court has deferred the hearing on a petition challenging the Central government's order directing the vacation of the Jaipur Polo Ground premises in the national capital. The hearing was postponed due to the lawyers' strike in the High Court. A Bench headed by Justice Harish Vaidyanathan directed that the matter be listed for hearing on August 12.

During the previous hearing, the Central government had informed the High Court that only the demarcation of the Jaipur Polo Ground was being carried out and that no changes were being made to the turf. Justice Harish Vaidyanathan's Bench had directed the petitioner to place on record a copy of the trial court's order.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Kirtiman Singh, appearing for the petitioner, the Indian Polo Association, had argued that the Central government was excavating the ground while describing the activity merely as demarcation. Responding on behalf of the Central government, advocate Ashish Dixit had submitted that the trial court had already passed its final order in the matter. He argued that the petitioner should place a copy of the order on record and challenge it appropriately.

The Court then observed that since the trial court had delivered its final order, the petitioner should produce it before the High Court. Kirtiman Singh reiterated that the Central government was erecting poles at the ground and interfering with the site. Ashish Dixit, however, maintained that only demarcation work was being undertaken, that the turf was not being disturbed, and that no damage was being caused to the polo ground.

Earlier, on June 29, the vacation Bench had recorded the Central government's assurance that it would only carry out the demarcation of the Jaipur Polo Ground premises and would not undertake any excavation of the turf.

The Indian Polo Association has sought a stay on the Central government's order. The petition has requested the Court to restrain any demolition, excavation, or alteration at the Jaipur Polo Ground.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar