The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the response of the Centre on a plea by the AAP seeking the allotment of land in the national capital for the construction of its offices, as it has been recognized as a national party. Justice Subramonium Prasad issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Land and Development Officer, asking them to file their replies to the petition. The court has now listed the matter for further hearing on March 23.
According to the Centre’s policies and given that land has been allotted to all other national parties for the construction of office premises in central locations of New Delhi, the AAP stated in its petition that it is incumbent upon the respondents to ensure that a similar allotment is made in favor of the petitioner, as per its entitlement. The AAP claimed it is entitled to a total area of 1,000 square meters for the construction of offices for its national and Delhi units, following the policies issued by the Union ministry.
The petition stated, ‘The memorandum (of the Union ministry) dated July 13, 2006, clearly prescribes the allotment of land up to 500 square meters to all national parties having up to 15 Members of Parliament in both Houses.’
It added, ‘Further, it also provides for an additional allocation of land up to 500 square meters for Delhi state units where the national party has representation in the Delhi state legislature.’
The Arvind Kejriwal-led party has challenged the Centre’s refusal to allot land to the AAP for the construction of its national and state unit offices
