The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Aam Aadmi Party to vacate its offices at Rouse Avenue by June 15, noting that the land was allotted to the Delhi High Court for expanding judicial infrastructure. The court said that the party was granted the long deadline in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
"In view of the impending elections, we grant time till 15 June 2024 to vacate the premises so that the land which has been allotted for the purpose of expanding the footprint of the district judiciary can be duly utilised on an expeditious basis,” said a bench of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.
The top court, however, allowed the party to approach the Land and Development Office for the allotment of land for its offices. "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks," the bench said.
Noting that it was a case of encroachment, the court said the AAP had no lawful right to continue on the land.
"How can any political party sit on it? All encroachments will be removed. The High Court should be given possession of the land, which can be used for the public and citizens," it said.
The top court also directed the Chief Secretary, PWD Secretary, and Finance Secretary of the Delhi government to convene a meeting with the Registrar General of the High Court before the next date to ensure resolution of all issues.
