Today, On 15th May, The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged unequal treatment by the Central government in the Delhi High Court. They argue that the Centre is discriminating against the Delhi government in various matters. This move signals ongoing tensions between the AAP led Delhi government and the Central government.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court requested the Central Government to submit a response to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) petition seeking temporary land allocation for their office. The AAP claims that the Central Government treating them unfairly compared to other political parties that have been granted land on DDU Marg in Central Delhi.
The court remarked,
“The arguments put forth by AAP suggest that you, the Centre, are not according them equal treatment as others. Instead, you are relegating them to a remote position.”
Under a Supreme Court undertaking, the AAP required to vacate its current office at DDU Marg by June 15, as it was originally designated for family courts. Justice Subramonium Prasad directed the Central Government to file a response and scheduled a hearing on May 20. The High Court handling two petitions from the AAP, one requesting temporary land allocation and the other seeking permanent land allocation for their office in Central Delhi.
During the hearing, Kirtimaan Singh, the counsel for the Central Government, stated that, no vacant land available at DDU Marg. The Central Government‘s counsel also mentioned that in 2024, the party offered land in Saket, but they declined the offer. Prior to 2023, when the AAP became a national party, they had never requested land in Central Delhi.
The counsel representing the Central Government stated,
“In June 2023, they (AAP) mentioned the presence of available land on DDU Marg. In the same year, we proposed land for their permanent allotment. Subsequent inspection revealed no available land at DDU Marg,” .
He further added,
“In 2024, we extended an offer of two plots in Saket to them,”
Senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog proposed that two plots currently held by an AAP Minister could be allocated to the party for their office, with the Minister prepared to surrender them if they are given to the party.
In response, the Court queried,
“Is it possible for them to utilize the plot for their office?”
Kirtimaan Singh stated,
“They were not allotted the plots; they occupied them and are now in possession. First, they must hand them over, then we will consider the matter. Additionally, they had an office in Kaushambi.”
Senior Advocate Nandrajog expressed concerns about misleading the court, stating,
“It was a strong attempt to misguide the court.”
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The court inquired,
“Is there a waiting list of national political parties? Are there houses earmarked for political parties?”
Furthermore, Nandrajog asked,
“Can we construct a building by June 15 if land is allotted to us?”
Yesterday during the hearing, the Court inquired about the possibility of providing the plots currently held by the Delhi Minister to the party for temporary use in their office, pending the resolution of the petitions.