The Delhi High Court on Wedenesday held that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is entitled to use housing unit from the general pool till a permanent land is allotted for construction of its office. The court directed the Centre to decide AAP’s representation within six weeks.
As per Supreme Court's order, AAP has to vacate its current party office by June 15. This came after the top court noted that AAP's party office stands on land alotted for expansion of Delhi High Court.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appearing for AAP told the high court that a national party is entitled to a temporary office until the land is allotted to it for construction of a permanent office.
Justice Subramonium Prasad of Delhi High Court held that mere pressure or non-availability is no ground to reject AAP's plea. The court directed Centre to decide AAP's representation for a temporary accommodation within six weeks by way of a reasoned order.
The court held that AAP is entitled to use a housing unit from the general pool and that mere pressure or non-availability is no reason for rejection of AAP's plea.
The AAP has filed a plea seeking direction from high court to Centre to allot suitable land to it being a recognised political party for construction of its offices. The high court listed the case for hearing on July 15.
AAP seeks land to be allotted to it in a preferably centrally located areas in the Delhi that is free from encumbrances and encroachments, so that the construction for party office space can begin immediately.
The Supreme Court on March 4, gave AAP time till June 15 to vacate its party office in Delhi's Rouse Avenue.
The court also permitted AAP to move the Land and Development Office (L&DO) for fresh allotment of land for party office. The court also directed L&DO to process the application in accordance with law in the meantime and communicate its decision within 4 weeks.
Th apex court had directed AAP to vacate its office at New Dehli, situated in the plot earmarked for the Delhi judiciary, by 15 June, so that land allotted to expand the district judiciary footprint can be used for the purpose.
Senior Advocate AM Singhvi appearing for AAP told the top court that "a particular government does not want me to be flourishing and working."
AAP further told the top court that the GNCTD had given the plot to district judiciary in 2020, whereas it was allotted to AAP for party office in 2015. And when the party applied for fresh land allottment they were told to go to Badarpur while other national parties are in better areas.
The top court said that in view of impending general elections, it is granting time till June 15 , 2024 to the AAP to vacate the premises so that land allotted to extend district judiciary footprint can be used for the purpose.
Earlier in February, the Supreme Court slammed the AAP for "encroaching" over the land allotted to Delhi High Court. The case came up in the apex court while hearing a case pertaining to judicial infrastructure in the country.