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Chadha argued that he was being unfairly targeted and victimized. It was also claimed that other members in similar situations were allowed to retain higher-category bungalows.
Justice Rekha Palli, on Monday, recused herself from hearing a petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha challenging the trial court’s order. The trial court had dismissed his petition challenging the cancellation of his bungalow by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee.
The bench of Justice Rekha Palli, while withdrawing from the case, listed the matter for December 18, 2024, before the appropriate bench.
Raghav Chadha, a first-time MP, was allotted a Type VII bungalow at Pandara Road in September 2022, which he occupied in November 2022. However, on March 3, 2023, the allotment was revoked by the Chairman of the House Committee, Rajya Sabha, on the grounds that Chadha, as a first-time MP, was entitled only to a Type VI bungalow. An alternative accommodation at Swajas Deluxe was subsequently allotted to him. He claimed that the cancellation of his allotment was arbitrary, as no opportunity for a hearing was granted, and the cancellation letter lacked valid reasoning or justifiable grounds.
The trial court affirmed that the House Committee Chairman held the authority to revoke a higher-category allotment and found no evidence of malafide intent or bias in the decision. The order further stated that Chadha had been provided with an alternative accommodation that aligned with his entitlement.
The trial court also emphasized that Chadha had been allotted two properties during the litigation period, a Type VII bungalow and a Type VI residence, and held him accountable for the costs associated with the unutilized Type VI accommodation.
Case Title: Raghav Chadha v Union Of India (W.P.(C) 17320 / 2024)[Inputs: Hindustan Times]
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