The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the Centre's move to reclaim prominent properties in Lutyens' Delhi, including land occupied by the Indian Polo Association (IPA), observing that the national capital can ill afford to lose more green spaces.

Justice Neena Bansal Krishna made the remarks while hearing a petition filed by the IPA challenging an eviction notice issued for its polo grounds located opposite the Prime Minister's official residence. The Centre has sought possession of the land, stating that it is required to strengthen defence infrastructure and meet other critical public security needs.

During the proceedings, the Court lamented the steady reduction of open and green areas in Delhi, particularly within the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) zone.

"Delhi will choke. God save us all if this is how you want Delhi to live," the Court remarked, noting that very little green space remains in the city.

Questioning the future plans for the area, the Court asked whether the government intended to construct high-rise buildings on the reclaimed land.

"We have a little breather in the NDMC area. It is also going away and all of us are going to suffocate and die," the Court observed.

The High Court ultimately disposed of the IPA's petition and directed the trial court to consider and decide the association's application seeking a stay on the eviction notice. The matter is expected to be taken up by the trial court on Wednesday.

Appearing for the Centre, advocate Ashish Dixit defended the decision to resume possession of the land, arguing that it is required for public and defence-related purposes. He submitted that while land availability in central Delhi is limited, government functions and infrastructure requirements must continue to be accommodated within the area.

The Indian Polo Association, established in 1892 and registered under the Societies Registration Act, has been operating from the premises for decades.

The dispute arises amid the Centre's broader effort to reclaim government land in Lutyens' Delhi. Similar reasons were cited in relation to the takeover of the historic Gymkhana Club property, where the government stated that the land was needed to meet urgent institutional requirements, governance infrastructure demands and public-interest projects, along with the resumption of adjoining government land.

Founded in 1913 during the colonial era, the Delhi Gymkhana Club is among India's oldest and most prestigious social institutions, frequented over the years by senior bureaucrats, diplomats, military officers and other influential members of society.