3 min readNew DelhiMay 28, 2024 09:55 AM IST
First published on: May 28, 2024 at 09:55 AM IST
The Delhi High Court Monday reserved orders on a plea moved by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) seeking allotment of accommodation for its party office in the national capital.
In March, the Supreme Court had asked the AAP to vacate its office in Rouse Avenue by June 15 as the land in question had been allotted for the expansion of judicial infrastructure.
The HC was hearing two petitions filed by AAP last year, seeking allotment of land for constructing its office or a housing unit on a licence basis in the national capital in light of its status as a recognised national party.
A single-judge bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad while reserving the verdict on the issue of temporary accommodation for office space said, “I will try to pronounce it during the vacations. Most probably on the (June) 5th morning.”
The HC, meanwhile, listed the party’s plea seeking allotment of land to AAP on July 10.
Appearing for AAP, senior advocate Rahul Mehra submitted, “Kindly pass an ad interim order… By June 15, I will have to vacate. One election is over, next election is six months down the line. Can a national party and a state party be treated like this if I have a legal entitlement?”
Mehra said till the time the party is allotted permanent land for constructing its office, it should be allowed to function out of plot 23-24 DDU Marg, which is presently occupied by a minister of the AAP government.
“There is a responsibility under the Constitution to ensure that there is a fair level playing field… What prejudice is going to be caused to them (Centre), on a property which is with my minister which is given to me till they allow the land to me? I’m not saying that I have a permanent entitlement to it. I’m asking for only 2-4 months (temporary accommodation) till they allot me appropriate land. My minister will stay without government accommodation,” Mehra added.
The counsel appearing for the Centre said AAP was offered land in 2014 for its offices but they had refused to accept it.
He further said the allotment has to come from the general pool and there is no exclusive list for political parties. He submitted that the party had asked for land on DDU Marg pursuant to which a joint inspection had been conducted in that area and “no land was found available” on DDU Marg.
“As far as 23-24 DDU Marg is concerned, we have written to them to give it back to us,” the Centre’s counsel said.
The counsel appearing for the Centre said AAP was offered land in 2014 for its offices but they had refused to accept it. (File Photo) 
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