‘All of us will suffocate and die’: Delhi High Court questions Centre on Gymkhana eviction notice

The Delhi High Court on Monday voiced strong reservations about the central government's decision to acquire nearly 200-year-old properties, including the iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club, for "public purpose." A vacation bench, led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, emphasized that these heritage sites and open areas are crucial "breathers" for Delhi residents amidst severe pollution.

“

What are you going to do with all these heritage structures? Even Gymkhana is a heritage structure. What are you going to do? Make 20-storey buildings? Delhi will suffocate. You do all that you want to. [That area] is a little breather we have. That is all also going to go. All of us will suffocate and die.

"Delhi will suffocate. You do all that you want to. [That area] is a little breather we have. That is all also going to go. All of us will suffocate and die," the court remarked, questioning the government's plans for redevelopment. The judges expressed dismay at the prospect of replacing existing structures with high-rise buildings, suggesting such actions would render Delhi unfit for habitation and exacerbate the choking pollution.

The court also questioned the timing and necessity of the government's intervention, noting that these properties had existed for centuries without prior government action. The Indian Polo Association (IPA) had filed a petition challenging an eviction order for the 15.20-acre Jaipur Polo Grounds, scheduled for vacation by June 4. The IPA argued that the trial court had not adequately considered its appeal or request for interim protection.

“

Delhi people, please go to some small mountain and stay there. Delhi will not be fit for anyone for us. You all know how much we are choking because of pollution. The small lung that we have, do you want to take that away also? No, no, take it away. Ensure that people stop coming to Delhi.

The Centre's standing counsel, Ashish Dixit, defended the acquisition, stating it was for public purpose, redevelopment, and defense needs. He assured the court that no coercive action would be taken against the IPA until Friday. The court ultimately disposed of the petition with a directive for the Patiala House courts to decide the IPA's plea.

“

We have only high-rises all over. And you are saying, NDMC colony, we all had two-storey houses, now we have 20-storey houses... and if this is how you want Delhi to live, then God save us.