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In February, AAP had informed the top court that its requests for an alternative space for its State Unit Office had been denied
A vacation bench of the Supreme Court today allowed an application filed by Aam Aadmi Party seeking an extension in time to vacate its office premises which has been allotted for the expansion of the district judiciary.
Notably, AAP filed an application seeking an extension of the earlier deadline fixed by the court to vacate by June 15.
The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has granted an extension as a "last opportunity" adding that this order will be subject to AAP giving an undertaking to the Supreme Court's Registry that they will hand over vacant and peaceful possession of the premises on or before August 10, 2024.
Earlier the CJI led bench had asked AAP to approach Land and Development Office for allotment of alternate land. Further, L&DO has been asked to process the application in accordance with law within 4 weeks.
Court orally also remarked that after 2017, AAP had no lawful right to continue possession of the premises.
Arguing for AAP, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi had in March this year told the top court that "a particular government does not want me (AAP) to be flourishing and working".
Singhvi further submitted that AAP was being asked to relocate to Badarpur whereas, as a national party it should be given a space in Central Delhi.
AAP had earlier informed the Supreme Court that it remained ready and willing to vacate the office premises in Delhi, but such vacation should be required only after at least one of the two office spaces that it is entitled to, is allotted to it in the New Delhi Municipal Area, appropriate to its status a national party.
In its intervention application, the ruling party in Delhi had claimed its lawful occupation of the premises in Bungalow No 206, Rouse Avenue, New Delhi was labelled as ‘encroachment’ before the Apex court on February 13.
"Far from being an instance of ‘encroachment’, the Subject Premises were officially allotted to the applicant by the Government of NCT of Delhi on 31.12.2015 for its State Unit Office. This was strictly in accordance with the entitlement as (at that time) a state party under the," it said.
AAP faced strong rebuke from the Supreme Court on February 13 after it was contended the party was occupying the space meant for the Delhi High Court.
Amicus curiae K Parameshwar had said that Delhi High Court officials went to take possession of a land allotted to the high court and they were not allowed as a political party’s office has been constructed there now.
The court had then expressed its displeasure saying the political party is sitting tight on the encroachment and it has to come to an end.
Cause Title: Malik Mazhar Sultan & Anr vs. UP Public Service Commission Through its Secretary & Ors
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