Supreme Court Directs AAP to Vacate Office Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

The Supreme Court of India has ordered the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi’s ruling political faction, to vacate its current office premises by June 15, granting them an extension considering the proximity of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The decision came after it was revealed that AAP’s office is situated on a plot originally designated for the expansion of a district court, which was allotted to the Delhi High Court. In response to the eviction order, the court has advised AAP to seek a new location for its office by applying to the Land And Development Office (LNDO), which has been instructed to process the party’s request within four weeks and communicate its decision in the given timeframe.

The AAP, represented by lawyer AM Singhvi, contested the eviction, arguing that their office near the Rouse Avenue court does not constitute an encroachment, as it was allocated to the party well before the plot was earmarked for court extension purposes. Singhvi highlighted that the land had been utilized by the National Capital Territory (NCT) from 1993 to 2015 before being allotted to AAP, emphasizing that AAP holds the status of one of India’s six national parties and likening their situation to that of the BJP, which possesses an office of comparable size in the same vicinity.

Amidst the legal tussle, Singhvi also mentioned that AAP has been suggested to establish its office in Badarpur, noting that the LNDO has two plots in the area that could potentially be allotted to AAP. This directive comes at a critical time, just two months before the elections, raising concerns about the party’s operational capacity and its ability to campaign effectively in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.

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