AAP's Deadline Dilemma: Supreme Court Orders Office Evacuation by June 15

In a recent legal development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a directive to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to vacate its political office in Delhi by June 15. This decision comes in light of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and the court has granted the ruling party additional time to comply with the order.

The court's order stems from the fact that the AAP office is situated on a plot originally allocated to the Delhi High Court for expanding a district court. To address this situation, the Supreme Court has instructed the AAP to approach the Land And Development Office (LNDO) for the allotment of suitable land for its offices.

The LNDO has been directed to process the party's request within four weeks, with a clear communication of its decision by the stipulated time. AAP's legal representative, AM Singhvi, argued that their party office near the Rouse Avenue court is not an encroachment. Singhvi pointed out that the land was allotted to AAP in 2015, and the party has been using it since then.

Singhvi emphasized that the land was previously utilized by the National Capital Territory (NCT) between 1993 and 2015 before it was allocated to AAP. Notably, AAP is recognized as one of India's six national parties.

During the legal proceedings, Singhvi drew attention to the presence of an office of equal size belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the same area. He expressed concern that, despite this, AAP is being asked to vacate its office just two months before the elections, stating they are being "put on the road."

Singhvi also asserted that AAP has been instructed to construct its office in Badarpur. He further claimed that the LNDO possesses two plots in the area that could be allotted to AAP.

This legal standoff between the Supreme Court and AAP raises questions about the allocation and usage of government-allotted land by political parties. As AAP faces the challenge of adhering to the court's order, the upcoming weeks are crucial, considering the approaching Lok Sabha elections and the potential impact on the party's political landscape.