Delhi HC Relief for AAP in Office Rent Case

The Delhi High Court has sought a response from the Central Government on the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) petition challenging the demand for rent at Vitthalbhai Patel House for the party office. Justice Sachin Dutta issued a notice to the Centre in the matter and directed it to file its reply within two weeks. AAP has sought cancellation of the allotment of a suite for its office.

The Aam Aadmi Party's lawyer appealed to the court to stay the reminder notice demanding rent on June 20. On this, the Central Government's lawyer said that no action would be taken in the matter till the next hearing. He also clarified that this is only a notice, so there is no need to rush into the matter.

The government will take action under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act. The Aam Aadmi Party alleges that the decision of the Directorate of Estates, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs was unilateral. This decision was taken without giving any show cause notice or proper opportunity to be heard. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for July 22.

The Aam Aadmi Party's lawyer said in his argument that the Directorate of Estates canceled the allotment of a 'double suite' in Vitthalbhai Patel House without any prior notice. This cancellation took effect from September 14, 2024, but the petitioner was informed about it for the first time through a letter on January 17, which was quite late.

The AAP lawyer said that the petitioner had handed over the possession of the premises on April 30. The Aam Aadmi Party alleges that the authority has demanded a rent of more than Rs 8 lakh for possession of the premises in letters issued on March 6 and May 13, starting from the date of alleged cancellation. The party has appealed to the court to stay this letter.