The Supreme Court issued a directive on Monday, instructing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to vacate its office located on the Rouse Avenue court land by June 15 this year. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, declared that AAP has been occupying the premises unlawfully since 2015, as it was originally allocated to the Delhi High Court.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud remarked, “After 2015, you are not lawful occupants of the land, and it cannot be denied.”
In its official order, the apex court stated, “In view of impending general elections, we grant time till June 15, 2024, to vacate the premises so that land allotted to extend the district judiciary footprint can be used for the purpose.”
Furthermore, the court granted AAP the permission to approach the Land and Development Office (L&DO) for the allotment of new land, instructing the L&DO to communicate its decision to AAP within four weeks.
“We direct the Chief Secretary of the L&DO to come up with an alternate proposal and submit it before the Rouse Avenue Courts, since it is in urgent need of space,” the Supreme Court emphasized.
The case, which pertains to judicial infrastructure across the country, had previously seen adverse observations by the Supreme Court on February 13. Amicus Curiae K Parameshwar informed the court that despite Delhi High Court officials attempting to take possession of allocated land, AAP’s office continued to operate in the specified premises.
AAP argued that its office at the Rouse Avenue court area was lawfully allotted to the party long before it was earmarked for the extension of the court complex. While acknowledging the need for judicial infrastructure for the welfare of Delhi’s citizens, AAP expressed readiness to relocate its State unit office to an appropriate, alternative space.
Senior Advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing AAP, highlighted the party’s request for an alternative space in 2017, which went unanswered. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the L&DO, contended that the High Court and district courts should not be held hostage by a political party. He further clarified that the land in question was allotted to the Delhi government to expand family courts in the national capital. Ultimately, the Supreme Court directed AAP to vacate the land.
