In a recent development, the Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to vacate its headquarters in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue area until August 10. This extension comes as the land was originally allocated for the expansion of the Delhi High Court’s infrastructure. The vacation bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta emphasized that this extension represents a “last opportunity” for AAP.
The bench stipulated that AAP must provide an undertaking to the Supreme Court’s Registry, committing to vacate and peacefully hand over the property by August 10, 2024. The premises in question were allotted to the Delhi High Court in 2020, with concerns raised about the stultified expansion of the High Court and associated cost implications.
AAP had earlier filed an application seeking an extension of time, which the bench has now granted. This decision follows the Supreme Court’s previous deadline of June 15, with the AAP arguing that the plot was initially allotted to them in 2015 before being earmarked for judiciary purposes in 2020. AAP also asserted its national party status, claiming entitlement to a plot in Central Delhi similar to other national parties.
The court directed AAP to approach the Centre’s Land And Development Office (L&DO) for the allocation of suitable land for its offices, signaling a path forward amid this legal dispute.