In a recent development that has stirred the political and legal circles of Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) finds itself at the center of a controversy following accusations of land encroachment. These allegations, which suggest that the party’s headquarters is built on land originally allocated to the Delhi High Court, have been met with strong denial from AAP. The issue gained prominence after the Supreme Court of India expressed its concern over the matter, prompting a swift response from the party.
The Supreme Court’s involvement came to light when it openly criticized the AAP for occupying land meant for the Delhi High Court’s expansion. A statement from a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud highlighted the gravity of the situation,
“How can a political party sit tight on that land? What will the High Court use it for? Only for the public and citizens. Why was the land allotted to the High Court then?”
This remark underscores the judiciary’s dismay and the perceived misuse of public land by a political entity.
In a detailed rebuttal, the AAP vehemently denied the encroachment claims, accusing the Central Government of misleading the Supreme Court with incorrect submissions. The party’s statement emphasized,
“The Aam Aadmi Party vehemently and categorically denies that the party’s political headquarters situated at Rouse Avenue in Delhi is constructed on encroached land. It is appalling that the Central Government has made incorrect submissions to mislead the Hon’ble Supreme Court. We will submit documents before the Hon’ble Court which shall clearly show that the land has been allotted to the Aam Aadmi Party by the Government of Delhi. Be it noted, that the same land, since 1992 has been allotted to IAS officers & three ministers. There has been no encroachment whatsoever.”
This defense not only refutes the allegations but also promises to provide documentary evidence to support its claim.
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Furthermore, the AAP assured, “We will present all valid documents before the Supreme Court with our reply,” indicating their readiness to engage transparently with the judicial process to clarify their stance.
The Supreme Court’s involvement has brought significant attention to the case, with the next hearing scheduled for February 19. The Law Secretary to the Government of Delhi, Bharat Parashar, informed the court that the AAP has been in possession of the land since 2016 and that efforts to allocate alternative land to the party are in progress.
He elucidated, “It was a bungalow which was occupied by a minister and was later occupied by the political party,” shedding light on the history of the property in question.
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As the AAP prepares to defend its position before the Supreme Court, the controversy over the land allocated to the Delhi High Court remains a contentious issue. With both legal and political implications, the outcome of this dispute will be closely watched by observers and stakeholders alike. The AAP’s commitment to presenting evidence and the judiciary’s pursuit of fairness underscore the complex dynamics at play in this high-profile case.
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