Decide plea by AAP for temporary party office within 6 weeks: Delhi High Court to Centre

The Delhi High Court Wednesday ordered the Central government to take an expeditious decision on providing a temporary office space for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the national capital so that the party can carry out its operations. .Justice Subramonium Prasad directed the Centre to take a decision regarding it within six weeks.The Court said the AAP was entitled to a house from the 'General Pool' category and mere non-availability of a place cannot be a ground to reject the political party's plea. Hence, AAP's plea for office space should be considered within six weeks, the Court directed. "Mere pressure or non-availability is no ground to reject [their plea]. Pressure is always there. Their representation to be considered in 6 weeks by a reasoned order," the Court said..In March, the Supreme Court had asked AAP to vacate its office near Rouse Avenue by June 15. The apex court had passed the order after finding that the land on which AAP office was located, had been allotted for the expansion of judicial infrastructure..AAP had earlier filed two petitions in the High Court seeking allotment of suitable land in the national capital to construct its national and Delhi state unit party offices or a housing unit on a licence basis.The Court today passed an order on AAP’s plea for temporary accommodation. The party's plea for permanent accommodation will be heard on July 10..AAP has argued that its national party status makes it entitled to a total area of 1,000 square meters for construction of the offices for its national and state units.“The Memorandum dated 13.07.2006 clearly prescribes allotment of land up to 500 square meters to all National parties having up to 15 Members of Parliament in both Houses. Further, it also provides for an additional allocation of land up to 500 square meters for Delhi state units where the National Party has representation in the Delhi State legislature,” the plea said.It contended that because the Central government has allocated land to other political parties for construction of office premises, it is incumbent upon them to ensure that similar allotment is made in favour of AAP as well.