New Delhi, June 5: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central government to expedite its decision on providing temporary office space for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital.
This order comes after the Supreme Court mandated AAP to vacate its current office, as the land is earmarked for judicial infrastructure reported Bar and Bench.
Justice Subramonium Prasad emphasized the urgency of the matter and instructed the Centre to resolve the issue within six weeks. “Mere pressure or non-availability is no ground to reject [their plea]. Pressure is always there. Their representation to be considered in six weeks by a reasoned order,” the Court stated.
The Court clarified that AAP is entitled to a house from the ‘General Pool’ category and that non-availability cannot be a valid reason to deny their request for office space. Therefore, the Centre must consider AAP’s plea for temporary office accommodation within the specified timeframe.
In March, the Supreme Court had ordered AAP to vacate its office near Rouse Avenue by June 15. The apex court’s decision was based on the fact that the land was originally allocated for the expansion of judicial infrastructure.
AAP had previously filed two petitions in the High Court seeking allotment of suitable land in the national capital for constructing its national and Delhi state unit offices or a housing unit on a license basis.
While the High Court addressed the plea for temporary accommodation on Wednesday, the party’s request for permanent accommodation will be heard on July 10.