Delhi HC Directs Centre To Respond To AAP’s Plea Over Rent Demand For Vacated Party Office

Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court on Monday sought a formal response from the Centre over a petition filed by the Aam Aadmi Party challenging a rent demand notice for its former office space at Vithalbhai Patel House.

The directive came from Justice Sachin Datta, who was hearing AAP’s application tied to an ongoing case regarding the cancellation of the party’s office allotment by the government.

The Centre has been given two weeks to file its reply, with the matter posted for the next hearing on July 22.

AAP Seeks Relief From Rent Notice

During the hearing, AAP requested the court to stay the June 20 rent reminder, which it says reaffirms an unjustified eviction and demands rent at steep market rates without transparency on how the amount was calculated.

In response, the Centre’s counsel opposed the stay, stating there was no immediate urgency and assured the court that no coercive action would be taken before the next hearing.

The rent notice, according to the government, was issued as part of standard procedures under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act.

Allegations Of Arbitrary Allotment Cancellation

AAP’s original petition, which came up for hearing in May, challenged the cancellation of its office allotment by the Directorate of Estates. The party had been occupying a double suite in Vithalbhai Patel House—an official accommodation complex for political parties.

The party claims it was not given any prior notice or opportunity to respond before the cancellation, which was made effective from September 14, 2024, but only communicated months later through a letter dated January 17, 2025. AAP eventually vacated the premises on April 30, 2025.

Dispute Over Rent Demands

According to AAP, the June 20 notice is the latest in a series of reminders that reinforce a flawed and punitive approach. Earlier letters dated March 6 and May 13 had demanded over ₹8 lakh in rent, starting from the alleged cancellation date.

AAP contends that these bills are based on an “ex parte” decision and are therefore legally unsound, violating principles of natural justice and the Government Residence (General Pool in Delhi) Rules, 1963.

The party maintains that “there was no proper hearing, and the rent calculation lacks clarity or basis in law.”

Allegations Of Bias & Retaliation

The party further noted that it had been granted new office space at 1, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane in July 2024, after a separate court order recognized its status as a national party. AAP alleges that the abrupt cancellation of its previous office and the subsequent rent demands appear to be administratively biased and retaliatory in nature.

AAP has urged the court to halt further rent demands and related notices until the legality of the allotment cancellation is resolved.

The outcome of the July 22 hearing will be crucial in determining whether AAP can successfully challenge what it deems an unlawful eviction and rent imposition.