The Delhi High Court on Thursday was assured that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal will be provided a government residence within 10 days.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing virtually, told Justice Sachin Datta, “He (Kejriwal) will be allotted the appropriate accommodation within 10 days from today. You may record my statement.”
Recording this assurance, the Court stressed that such matters should not be left unresolved. Justice Datta remarked that the Ministry’s system of allotting residences requires a more comprehensive approach, extending beyond politicians. “It is an issue that has to be resolved,” the judge said.
Kejriwal’s Claim For Higher Category Bungalow
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, representing AAP, argued that Kejriwal is entitled to a Type 7 or Type 8 bungalow and cannot be shifted to a lower Type 5 category. He added, “I am not favoured, I am not Bahujan Samaj Party,” hinting at unequal treatment.
The judge, however, advised that the dispute should ideally be settled through dialogue with the government. “If you are not happy, don’t take it. The solution lies in you having a conversation with the Solicitor General,” Justice Datta said, while also granting Kejriwal liberty to approach the Ministry directly.
Courtroom Exchanges
Tension briefly flared during the hearing when Mehra retorted, “All this sloganeering was appropriate at elections, this is court.” To this, Justice Datta responded by noting that the assurance of accommodation would be formally recorded: “I will record that appropriate accommodation will be given within 10 days. We will record your statement and pass an order.” The Court clarified that a formal order would follow.
Lodhi Estate Dispute
Kejriwal vacated his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road in October 2024 after resigning as Chief Minister. Since then, he has been staying at another party member’s government-allotted home near Mandi House.
AAP has been seeking the bungalow at 35 Lodhi Estate, earlier occupied by BSP chief Mayawati. However, the Centre told the Court that the house has already been allotted to a Minister of State. The government further emphasised that no political party can demand a specific bungalow; allotments depend on availability and the waiting list.
Court Demands Policy Clarity
Earlier, the High Court had criticised the Centre for the seemingly arbitrary handling of Kejriwal’s housing request. Justice Datta directed the government to place on record its allotment policy, the current waiting list, and details of when the Lodhi Estate bungalow was re-allotted.
“It is not acceptable that while passovers are sought in Court, allotments are being made outside. The waiting list cannot be used as a reason for indefinite delay,” Justice Datta had remarked.
(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)
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