The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to AAP’s petition challenging the “ex parte” cancellation of its state party office allotment, stressing the need to follow fair procedures and natural justice in such matters.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court issued a notice on Monday regarding a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging the alleged ex parte cancellation of its state party office allotment by the Directorate of Estates.
A single-judge bench, presided over by Justice Sachin Datta, requested responses from both the Centre and the Directorate of Estates and scheduled the next hearing for August 12.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 12.
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AAP also contested the imposition of market-rate rent for the office, arguing that the demands for rent were made without prior notice of the cancellation.
The court further issued a notice on AAP’s application seeking a stay on two rent bills for the period from September 14, 2024, to April 29, 2025.
The party is challenging the Directorate’s order from September 14, 2024, which allegedly cancelled the allotment in its favor.
According to the petition,
“The ex parte order was first belatedly communicated to the petitioner through a letter dated January 17, 2025, which called upon the petitioner to comply with the cancellation order that had never been shared earlier.”
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AAP contended that the cancellation violated the memorandum under the Government Residence (General Pool in Delhi) Rules, 1963, along with relevant instructions from the Directorate.
The plea stated,
“The ex parte cancellation order is non-est in the eyes of law, as it was passed without issuing any show cause notice or providing the petitioner a reasonable opportunity to be heard, thereby violating natural justice principles.”
This case brings attention to how important it is to follow the rules of natural justice while taking administrative decisions, especially when those decisions impact political parties.
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The final decision in this matter could become an example for similar future cases, showing why fairness and transparency are necessary in government actions.
The Delhi High Court’s involvement highlights the key role of the judiciary in making sure that all administrative decisions follow legal procedures and uphold the principles of justice. As the case moves forward, the replies from the Union of India and the Directorate of Estates, along with the court’s next directions, will be important to watch.
Case Title: Aam Aadmi Party v. Union of India & Anr