Delhi HC Extends Deadline for Centre to Decide AAP Office Space Allotment

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted the Central Government until July 25 to decide on the allotment of office space to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) due to its recognition as a national party.

The high court, on June 5, had given the Centre six weeks to address AAP’s request in this matter.

During today’s hearing, the Directorate of Estates, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, sought an additional four weeks to comply with the court’s direction, citing its involvement in the “mammoth task” of allocating accommodation to parliamentarians.

AAP’s senior counsel opposed this request, highlighting that the six-week deadline, which expires on Wednesday, had led the Supreme Court to grant the party until August 10 to vacate its current office on Rouse Avenue.

In March, the Supreme Court had initially given AAP until June 15 to vacate the Rouse Avenue office, noting that the land was allocated to the Delhi High Court for expanding judicial infrastructure.

The senior counsel argued that seeking an extension was intended to leave the party without any remedy and that the Centre had not previously expressed its inability to comply with the Delhi High Court’s direction on office space allotment.

Justice Sanjeev Narula remarked that “substantial time” had already been granted for the authority to make a decision, and a further extension of four weeks could not be provided. However, considering the overall circumstances, the court extended the deadline until July 25, 2024, and emphasized that no further extension requests would be entertained.

Previously, the high court had affirmed that AAP, like other national political parties, was entitled to secure a space for its party office in Delhi, either by allocation from the general pool or by acquiring land for its own accommodation. The court had indicated that the pressure or lack of available housing in the general pool could not be grounds for denying the request. If the Centre rejects AAP’s representation, the party may pursue legal remedies as deemed appropriate.

In 2023, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had filed two petitions seeking either land for constructing offices or temporary office space on a license basis in accordance with its national party status.

The petition for land allotment remains pending, with the party arguing that, as other national parties have been provided land for central office locations in New Delhi, AAP should also receive similar treatment under the Centre’s policy.