The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has been directed by the Supreme Court of India to vacate its political office premises by June 15th, 2024. The apex courts decision comes with a concession, granting Delhis ruling party an extension in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.The order to vacate the office stems from the fact that the plot on which the AAP office is located was originally allotted to the Delhi High Court for the purpose of expanding a district court premises.In its ruling, the Supreme Court has instructed the Aam Aadmi Party to approach the Land And Development Office (LNDO) for the allotment of an alternative site for its offices. The court has directed the LNDO to process the partys request within a period of four weeks and communicate its decision within the stipulated time frame.During the court proceedings, the Aam Aadmi Party argued that its office near the Rouse Avenue court does not constitute an encroachment, as reported by Bar and Bench. The partys lawyer, AM Singhvi, contended that the land was utilized by the National Capital Territory (NCT) between 1993 and 2015, before being allotted to the AAP. Singhvi emphasized that the AAP is one of Indias six national parties.Singhvi further claimed that the AAP has been asked to establish its office in Badarpur, a location he deemed unsuitable. He asserted that the LNDO has two available plots in the area that could be allotted to the party. If AAP is asked to move to Badarpur, all other parties must also do the same. The party should at least get a space in central Delhi, Singhvi argued.Ultimately, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud granted the Aam Aadmi Party an extension until June 15th, 2024, to vacate the premises, so that land allotted to extend district judiciary footprint can be utilized. The court has instructed the concerned department to respond to the partys request within four weeks.
