Today(on 5th June),Delhi HC emphasizes AAP’s entitlement to office space in the capital, mandates Centre to decide within six weeks. Justice Prasad stresses fairness, rejects denial based on “pressure” or other grounds.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 5th June), The Delhi High Court emphasized that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is entitled to office space in the national capital, akin to other political parties. The High Court has mandated the Centre to reach a decision regarding this matter within six weeks.
Justice Subramonium Prasad presided over the hearing, where the matter of office allotment was closely scrutinized. Emphasizing fairness in the allocation process, Justice Prasad pointed out that the non-availability of office space due to “pressure” or other reasons cannot serve as grounds for denying AAP’s request.
He stated-
“They have a right to a residence from the general pool. Mere pressure or lack of availability cannot be grounds for refusal because such pressure is always present, and residences have consistently been assigned to political parties.”
This directive reflects a broader commitment to ensuring equal treatment of all political parties in terms of logistical support from the state.
The Aam Aadmi Party, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has been vocal about the challenges it faces without a permanent office, especially given its status as a national party. The counsel representing AAP argued vehemently for a space on Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Marg, noting that it is presently occupied by one of its city ministers and could be reassigned to serve as the party’s office temporarily.
In response, the Delhi High Court ordered the Centre to make a decision regarding the allotment within six weeks, highlighting the urgency of the matter given the imminent eviction deadline faced by AAP from its current location at Rouse Avenue. This ruling not only emphasizes the court’s role in addressing the equitable distribution of resources to political parties but also sets a precedent for how such matters are to be handled promptly and fairly.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has approached the Delhi High Court with two petitions seeking the allotment of land in Central Delhi for their party office. The petitions request either a temporary or permanent allotment of a property in this prime location.
During the hearing, Kirtimaan Singh, counsel for the Central Government, submitted that there is no vacant land available at Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Marg, the desired location for the AAP office.
He stated-
“The Central Government does not currently have any vacant land at DDU Marg.”
Justice Prasad, presiding over the case, clarified that the AAP could not claim entitlement to the property at DDU Marg.
“The party cannot assert a claim to the DDU Marg property.”
-the judge remarked.
He further advised that if the AAP’s request is denied by the Central Government, the party can pursue appropriate legal measures.
“If the Centre rejects AAP’s petition, the party can take appropriate actions.”
– Justice Prasad added.
The AAP initially moved to court last year, seeking land in the national capital to construct its office. The party argued that as a recognized national party, it is entitled to a land allotment in a central location, similar to what has been granted to other national parties.
“Authorities have allocated land for constructing office facilities to all other national parties in central locations in New Delhi.”
-the AAP contended.
They insisted that a similar provision should be made for them as per the Centre’s policy.
Senior counsel for the AAP argued that the party should be allotted space on DDU Marg, reinforcing the necessity of such an allocation due to their status as a national party.
“It is their responsibility to ensure that a similar allocation is also extended to them, aligning with their entitlement as per the Centre’s policy.”
-the senior counsel emphasized.
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The petitions emphasizes the party’s need for a permanent or temporary office in a strategic location within the capital, highlighting the inconsistency in the allocation of such spaces to other national parties. The case continues to be pending in the high court, with the AAP awaiting a resolution to their request for land.
