sc-extends-deadline-for-aap-to-leave-delhi-office

The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to vacate its headquarters office in the Rouse Avenue area of Delhi. The new deadline is August 10, 2024.

 

This extension comes after AAP requested more time to relocate, as the land currently occupied by the party was allocated for the expansion of the Delhi High Court’s infrastructure.

 

A vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta granted this extension as a "last opportunity" for the party. The bench specified that the extension is contingent on AAP providing an undertaking to the Supreme Court’s Registry, confirming they will vacate and peacefully hand over the property by the new deadline.

 

The bench noted, "The premises are already allotted to the Delhi High Court in 2020. The expansion of the High Court is stultified, and cost expansion is also a factor. This application is for an extension of time till August 10, 2024. Considering facts and circumstances and as a last opportunity, we extend the time till August 10, 2024 on an undertaking to be given by the applicant within a week before the Registry of this court that they shall hand over vacant and peaceful possession by August 10, 2024."

 

The Supreme Court's decision to allow the extension followed an application by AAP, which sought more time to relocate. Initially, the Court had set a deadline of June 15 for AAP to vacate the premises. The extension was granted considering the practical difficulties and procedural delays that the party might face in relocating its headquarters.

 

The AAP headquarters in Delhi, initially allotted to the party in 2015, was designated for judicial use in 2020. AAP argued before the Supreme Court that since it has attained national party status, it should be entitled to a plot in Central Delhi comparable to those allotted to other national parties. The party’s plea highlighted that the current location had been allocated to the judiciary only after it had been assigned to AAP.

 

In response to AAP’s arguments, the Supreme Court directed the party to approach the Centre’s Land And Development Office (L&DO) to seek allocation of suitable land for its offices.

 

This direction aims to ensure that AAP can find an appropriate location for its headquarters while the land in Rouse Avenue is used for the intended expansion of the Delhi High Court.

 

The bench’s order emphasises the importance of adhering to the new deadline, underscoring that the extension is a final opportunity. AAP must now ensure compliance with the Court's directive and make the necessary arrangements to relocate by August 10, 2024.

 

This development highlights the ongoing challenges and logistical considerations involved in managing land allocations for political parties and judicial infrastructure in the capital. It underscores the importance of balancing the needs of different institutions while ensuring that legal and procedural norms are upheld.