Delhi HC Issues Notice In AAP's Plea Challenging Ex Parte Order on State Party Office Allotment
The Delhi High Court, on Monday, issued notice to the Union in a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) challenging an ex-parte order of the Directorate of Estates revoking their state party office allotment. The petition also raised concerns over the imposition of market-rate rent for the occupied premises. The bench of Justice Sachin Datta recorded the submissions and listed the matter for August 12, 2025.
The party alleged that it became aware of the cancellation months later, on January 17, 2025, through a letter from the Directorate of Estates, which directed compliance with the order. However, AAP maintained that the actual cancellation order was never officially furnished to them.
It was argued that the Directorate of Estates issued a bill dated March 6, 2025, demanding payment of ₹6,60,361 as market rent for the use of the premises between September 14, 2024, and March 13, 2025. A subsequent bill, dated May 13, 2025, demanded ₹10,32,262 for the extended period from March 14, 2025, to April 29, 2025.
According to the party, a circular issued by the Directorate of Estates on July 10, 2023, revised the flat rates for General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) across the country and fixed the license fee at ₹5,420 per month for premises measuring 500 square metres. However, the market rent imposed on AAP exceeded this amount by over 1,000 per cent and functioned as a punitive measure arising from the 'ex-parte' cancellation of the allotment.
The petition argued that the rent bills were legally untenable, as they were based on the 'ex parte' cancellation order, which was passed in contravention of the principles of natural justice and the Allotment of Government Residence (General Pool in Delhi) Rules, 1963.
Case Title: Aam Aadmi Party v Union of India