New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered the Central government to decide within six weeks on the Aam Aadmi Party's representation seeking temporary office space in the national capital.
The High Court said that the party is entitled to use the housing unit from the general pool for its party office till a permanent allotment of land for the construction of its office.
The party has to vacate its present office by June 15 as per an undertaking in the Supreme Court.
Justice Subramonium Prasad said that the party has no right to claim the accommodation of one of its ministers situated at the DDU Marg as its temporary office.
The High Court asked the Central Government to decide the party's representation within six weeks and pass a reasoned order.
A detailed order is to be uploaded.
The High Court on May 27 reserved its order on a plea of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
However, the Court held that merely on the ground of non-availability it cannot be rejected.
Earlier, Kirtimaan Singh, Counsel for Central Government, submitted that the Central Government doesn't have any land vacant at DDU Marg.
Central Government counsel had also submitted that in 2024, the party was allotted land in Saket and they didn't accept it. Before 2023 when it became a national party, the Party never asked for land in Central Delhi.
In June 2023, they (AAP) said that there is some land available on DDU Marg. In 2023 We offered them land for permanent allotment. After inspection, we find there is no land available at DDU Marg, Central Government counsel said. In 2024 we offer them two plots in Saket, he added.
Court had said that Their (AAP) arguments you (Centre) are not treating them at par with others. You are throwing them to a distant place.
Senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog suggested that two plots that are in possession of the AAP Minister can be given to the party for their office.
The Court had asked, " Can they use the plot for the purpose of their office?"
The plots were not allotted to them. They occupied them. They are in possession, Kirtimaan Singh said. First, they will have to hand over them and they will consider it. They had an office in Kaushambi, he added.
Senior advocate Nandrajog said that It is a strong attempt to misguide the court.
"Is there a waiting list of national political parties," the court asked. Are there houses earmarked for political parties?
Senior advocate Nandrajog questioned, " Can we construct a building by June 15 if land is allotted to us?
During the hearing yesterday, the Court had asked if the plots in the possession of the Delhi Minister can be given to the party for their office on a temporary basis subject to the outcome of the petitions. (ANI)
